College of the North Atlantic

College of the North Atlantic

  • 1-888-982-2268
  • Apply Now
  • Contact Us
  • Speak
  • Giving to CNA
  • Shop CNA
  • Online Learning
  • My CNA
Apply Now
  • What We Offer
    • Explore our Schools
    • Program Guide
    • Microcredentials
    • Course Descriptions
    • Apprenticeship Training Schedule
    • Continuing Education
    • Resources for Teachers & Counsellors
  • Become a Student
    • Canadian Students
    • International Students
    • Financing your Education
    • Transfer Guides
    • Definitions and Regulations
    • Contact Us
  • Our Campuses
    • Avalon
      • Carbonear
      • Placentia
      • Prince Philip Drive
      • Ridge Road
      • Seal Cove
    • Central
      • Baie Verte
      • Gander
      • Grand Falls-Windsor
    • Eastern
      • Bonavista
      • Burin
      • Clarenville
    • Labrador
      • Happy Valley-Goose Bay
      • Labrador West
    • Western
      • Bay St. George
      • Corner Brook
      • Port aux Basques
      • St. Anthony
    We have 17 campus locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
    • 1-888-982-2268
    • Live Chat
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Student Support
      • Accessibility Services
      • Counselling Services
      • Child Care Centers
      • Health and Dental
      • Internet Services
      • Library Services
      • Registrar's Office
      • Scholarships & Awards
      • Sexual Violence Support
      • Student Housing
    • Student Employment
      • Co-operative Education
      • Student Job Finder
    • Business & Industry
      • CNA Foundation
      • Alumni
      • Entrepreneurship Hub
      • Research & Innovation
      • Workforce Innovation
      • CNA Global
      • Customized & Continuous Learning
      • Office of Institutional Research
    • Search our Staff Directory
      • Search by Name/Title:
        Leave fields blank to query entire directory 




        Search by Campus:
        For Online Learning contacts, click here.
        For our campus locations, or to contact one of our campuses directly please click here.


    • Webmail Access
    • Careers @ CNA
    • Employee Login
  • News & Events
    • News Archive
    • Currents Magazine
    • Events
Contact Us
Online Learning
My CNA

Webmail Access
Careers @ CNA
Employee Login

 


Program Information

  • Home
  • What We Offer
  • Program Guide
  • Program Information

Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA)

Rate this content
     

DIPLOMA

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: 9 Semesters

Applications closed to international applicants.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Online - Asynchronous delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | PROGRAM MISSION, VISION AND PHILOSOPHY | OBJECTIVES | CURRICULUM | CERTIFICATIONS | CLINICAL PLACEMENTS | ACCREDITATION | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Online - Asynchronous delivery - September 2025

Healing in motion.

Rehabilitation Assistants are integral members of a health care team that work under the supervision of and in collaboration with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. They contribute to the safe and effective delivery of activities outlined in treatment plans for clients experiencing temporary or permanent limitations in occupational performance and/or functional movement. Their role varies depending on the practice setting, which may include rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, community settings and private practices. Rehabilitation Assistants work with individuals, families, and groups, helping clients achieve optimal physical, psychosocial, and cognitive function.
 
This part-time program is delivered through distributed learning, offering flexibility and fostering collaboration and interaction. A cohort model supports collaboration with classmates and minimizes isolation often associated with distance education. Online courses are enhanced by laboratory sessions and 19 weeks of structured clinical placements. Students complete four clinical placements throughout the program.
 
As a graduate of this program, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to work as Rehabilitation Assistants in hospitals, health centres, community organizations, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care facilities. You will have the opportunity to work with patients to advance their independence and function –playing a meaningful role in their healing journey.

Do you have a strong desire to help others and want to embark on a meaningful career path? Make your move – apply now!

 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • A combination of virtual classroom and lab learning 19 weeks of clinical practice
  • Upon graduation, apply to the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA and PTA) program to receive dual certification
  • Graduates with one certification from OTA or PTA from another institution are eligible for advanced standing into the Rehabilitation Assistant program; entry point will be determined on a case-by-case basis
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Some Rehabilitation Assistants choose to specialize in a specific area of rehabilitation, such as neurorehabilitation or geriatric rehabilitation, while others may choose to pursue further education and become a rehabilitation therapist.
  • They help individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments to achieve their maximum level of independence and function.
  • In Canada Rehabilitation Assistants deliver treatment plans established by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, but do not perform patient assessments.[1]

 
PROGRAM MISSION, VISION AND PHILOSOPHY
Mission:
Fostering an educational experience that equips students with theoretical knowledge and technical skills required to work as Rehabilitation Assistants.

Vision:
Sustaining Canada’s most accessible Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma program through innovative post-secondary education strategies.

Philosophy:
Providing a vital supporting role in the delivery of efficient and effective rehabilitation services.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA/PTA) program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Apply the academic knowledge and skills outlined in the competency profiles for Physiotherapist Assistants (Canadian Physiotherapy Association) and Occupational Therapist Assistants (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists).
  2. Apply the learned academic knowledge and skills in clinical practice.
  3. Apply effective communication skills and professional behaviors.
  4. Perform delegated therapeutic skills safely and effectively under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
  5. Provide the community with skilled Rehabilitation Assistants who can serve their employers and clients with the highest degree of competence.
CURRICULUM
This part-time, 3-year program offers online asynchronous classes and flexible lab options. Students may attend labs onsite at Prince Philip Drive campus, join live virtually, or access recordings. Clinical placements are available through NL Health Services (NLHS), in private practices, or in other provinces. Out-of-province students can complete training remotely.

Graduates are prepared to support physiotherapists and occupational therapists in diverse healthcare settings. The program aligns with competencies promoted by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
CERTIFICATIONS
Students will complete the following during the program:
  • Mask fit testing
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student. 

Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
 
ACCREDITATION
The Rehabilitation Assistant program at College of the North Atlantic has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The status of Accreditation was granted to the program on November 30, 2024 for the period until November 30,2030.

Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program
Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Road West
London, Ontario
N6J 1Y5
(226) 636-0632
www.otapta.ca
 
REFERENCES

[1] Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, info sheet; [Click here and type the title of this document]

Admission Requirements


At the time of application to the Rehabilitation Assistant program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:

1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (minimum 60%) 
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
Advanced:  2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic:  2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science – two sciences chosen from one of:
Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
Physics: 3204 (minimum of 50%)
Chemistry: 3202 (minimum of 50%)
Earth Systems: 3209 (minimum of 50%)
iv. Electives (2 additional credits) chosen from any of the remaining 3000 level courses offered in the Senior High School Program.
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.
Note: 
CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements. 
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060
close
, CM1061
close

ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040
close
, MA1041
close

iii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Biology: BL1025
close
, BL1026
close
 
(minimum of 50% in both courses)
b. Chemistry: CH1035
close
, CH1036
close
 
(minimum of 50% in both courses)
c. Physics: PH1055
close
, PH1056
close
 
(minimum of 50% in both courses)
Note: It is strongly recommended that College Transition students who intend to enroll in the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA/PTA) program complete both of the Introductory Biology courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

Note: Students meeting academic entrance requirements are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted.

Note: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:
  • Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
  • Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
  • NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

Notes: 
  • Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
  • The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
  • The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare visits, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
TA1150
close
Intro to Musculoskeletal Anatomy 4 3 2
TM1130
close
Medical Terminology 3 3 0
CM1270
close
Communications in Health Care 3 3 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
TA1142
close
Orientation to Rehabilitation 5 4 1 wk
PS1420
close
Health Care Organization and Structure 3 3 0
TA1395
close
Anatomy & Physiology for Rehabilitation Assistants 4 3 2
         
Semester 3   Cr Le La
TA2221
close
Communication Disorders in Rehabilitation 2 2 0
HG1300
close
Professional Practice 3 3 0
TA1601
close
Introduction to Clinical Skills 2 1 3
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
TA1612
close
Advanced Clinical Skills 3 2 3
TA1231
close
Human Movement and Kinesiology 4 3 2
TA2140
close
Disease, Injury and Intervention I 4 4 0
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
TA1701
close
Clinical Placement I 2 0 2 wks
TA2141
close
Disease, Injury and Intervention II 4 4 0
TA2521
close
Mental Health Concepts and Techniques 2 2 0
         
Semester 6   Cr Le La
TA2685
close
Therapeutic Skills I for PTA 5 4 3
         
Semester 7   Cr Le La
TA2751
close
Clinical Placement II for PTA 5 0 5 wks
TA2671
close
Therapeutic Skills I for OTA 5 4 3
HG1681
close
Ethics in Health Care 3 3 0
         
Semester 8   Cr Le La
TA2150
close
Community Rehabilitation and Wellness for the Older Adult 3 3 0
TA2615
close
Therapeutic Skills II for the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA) 6 5 4
TA2741
close
Clinical Placement II for OTA 5 0 5 wks
         
Semester 9   Cr Le La
TA2710
close
Clinical Placement III for the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA) 6 0 6 wks

Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
line-separator

Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $1,301.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $625.00
line-separator

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
line-separator

Related News

Six CNA students walk home with awards
Six CNA students walk home with awards

Students show off their skills in national skills competition...

View All News Posts

Menu

What We
Offer
Explore our
Schools
Program
Guide

Course
Descriptions

Apprenticeship
Training Schedule

Continuing Education
Resources for
Teachers & Counsellors
Like, Follow and Subscribe:
College of the North Atlantic

College... Your Way

© All Rights Reserved
About Us | Business & Industry | Staff Directory | Open & Limited Call Awards | Careers
A-Z Site Map | College Merchandise | Privacy Policy