The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant diploma program prepares students to work in today's dynamic health care system. This program provides students with a strong occupational and physical therapy assistant background and incorporates essential assistant-level skills in therapeutic recreation and speech-language pathology. Extensive hands-on learning using equipment and technology in the lab combined with practicum placements prepare students to transition seamlessly into a discipline-specific or interdisciplinary role in rehabilitation.

This program includes 49 theory credits (735 hours), 11 lab credits (165 hours), and 19 practicum credits (840 hours).

Accreditation

The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma Program at Bow Valley College has Candidacy Status and can now take the next step towards accreditation by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTAPTA). Having Candidacy Status does not mean that the Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma Program at Bow Valley College will be accredited once the process is finished, but the first step is complete.

Facilities

The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma program has a designated lab to simulate rehabilitation practice in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and recreation therapy.

Work Integrated Learning

Learners will be required to travel to various locations to complete their Work Integrated Learning placements.  It is the learner’s responsibility to arrange travel to their clinical and/or practicum sites. Placements will take place within Calgary and surrounding areas including rural locations & areas across the province.  Every effort is made to accommodate learners for Work Integrated Learning placements within the program's duration, but in rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a Work Integrated Learning placement can be arranged.

Learners are responsible for any costs associated with their placement such as parking, transit, or accommodation.

Work Integrated Learning placements may include day shifts, evening shifts, night shifts, and/or weekend shifts. Shifts are determined by the placement sites and not the College.

Pre- Clinical Requirements

• A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to student's first work integrated learning placement. Please look for information regarding submission deadlines. The PIC will be valid for the duration of the program, unless changes are required, in which case a new PIC will be required. PICs must be dated no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the program submission date.
• To facilitate learners, Work Integrated Learning placements with our external partners, Rubella vaccination is mandatory, and many sites require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Failure to provide evidence of vaccinations will delay program completion. All other immunizations are highly recommended. Up-to-date immunizations are valid for the duration of the program.
• Students are required to have current CPR certification and it must be renewed annually. Bow Valley College offers FACP9101: Basic Life Support CPR (Healthcare Provider Level) through Extended Education.
• N95 mask fitting is required prior to the first Work Integrated Learning placement. Students will be able to register for this course (SAFT9406: N95 Mask Fitting) through MyBVC once they have started their program.

If students do not meet the requirements for Work Integrated Learning by the program’s submission deadline date, they will not be permitted to participate in Work Integrated Learning experiences for that term.