Student Experience

What to Expect

The OTA PTA program equips you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the growing field of rehabilitation. If you have a passion for healthcare and rehabilitation and aspire to work collaboratively in a team to make a real difference, this is the path for you!

Smaller classroom and lab sizes allow students to receive personalized attention from faculty as they gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in the workplace. Students build confidence as they prepare for work in the field through hands-on experience using the latest in rehabilitation equipment in our simulated apartment and health science labs.

Hear more about the program experience from Hayley who is one of our OTA PTA students.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Curious about occupational therapy and how it supports people in their daily lives? Watch the video to learn more — and hear from Grace, a graduate, about how the program prepared her to work in the hospital as a rehabilitation assistant after graduation.

Want to understand how physiotherapy helps people improve their physical well-being? Watch the video to learn more — and hear from Heather, a graduate, about how the program set them up for success in their physiotherapy career.

Work Integrated Learning

Strong community partnerships provide students the opportunity to explore various areas of occupational therapy and physiotherapy practice through diverse clinical placement experiences that align with their interests.

Community outreach programs offered at the college campus allow students to apply their training to a variety of practical experiences including joint replacement classes, seniors exercise classes, and fine motor programs for school-aged children.

“Handwriting Heroes” project was developed to address the need for fine motor skill development in children in the Ottawa community. This initiative supported children aged 6 -8 through engaging, structured activities aimed at improving handwriting skills while also developing essential fine motor abilities for daily tasks.

“Handwriting Heroes” Project

A variety of clinical placements in various health care facilities provide the opportunity for you to gain confidence and experience in treating patients safely and effectively. 500+ hours of clinical placement allows you to integrate knowledge gained through classroom instruction and practical labs.

Changemaker Award

In the spring of 2025, students from the OTA PTA program were presented with the Changemaker Award at the Algonquin College Board of Governors meeting for their work in the Handwriting Heroes outreach. The Changemaker award is a way for the board to formally acknowledge exceptional student efforts and projects.

Read more about the celebration of four student changemakers for their outstanding work on the “Handwriting Heroes” project

Students have also gained hands-on experiences in areas such as:

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