Education · 1 of 4

The path

One diploma trains you for both physiotherapy and occupational therapy support.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 English plus biology. Some programs ask for a math or science credit.

2. 2

   OTA and PTA (occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant) diploma

   2 years

   The combined program is a 2-year college diploma offered across Canada. Look for one accredited by the national OTA and PTA accreditation program, which most employers expect.

3. 3

   Placements

   Built into the program

   Several unpaid placements in hospitals, rehab centres, long-term care and clinics, usually adding up to hundreds of hours.

4. 4

   First job

   Weeks to months

   No exam or licence. Apply to hospitals, clinics and care homes; placement sites hire a lot of their own students.