Physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) in Ontario work under the regulation and direction of a physiotherapist in the provision of physiotherapy services. PTAs provide client-centred care and are assigned tasks by physiotherapists based on education and training, the needs of the client and the practice environment.
A physiotherapist assistant (PTA) in Ontario is a healthcare professional who works under the direction and supervision of a registered physiotherapist. PTAs assist in implementing treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist.
It is essential to note that while physiotherapists are regulated healthcare providers in Ontario, physical therapy assistants (PTAs) are not regulated and do not have a protected title.
Physiotherapist assistants participate in caring for individuals ranging from young children to seniors with a variety of conditions that affect all body systems.
PTAs may find employment in a wide variety of work settings, such as retirement homes, private clinics, home care settings, hospital emergency departments, rehabilitation centres, long-term care homes, inpatient acute or critical care, and outpatient hospital departments.
Currently, there are no standardized educational requirements to hold the title of a Physiotherapist Assistant.
Since physiotherapist assistants are not regulated, they can pursue a variety of educational pathways, including but not limited to:
It is common for Physiotherapist Assistants to have an OTA/PTA background, though each organization is responsible for determining the educational requirements of its candidates.
Almost all Ontario Colleges offer combined occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant (OTA/PTA) education programs, and there are currently no accredited programs that offer a physiotherapist assistant program without the occupational therapist assistant component.
Upon completing an OTA/PTA program, graduates possess a foundational skill set that enables them to provide client-centred care under the direct supervision of a physiotherapist in a wide variety of settings and practice areas.
An accredited program has been approved by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program. To be accredited, the program must have applied for the designation and wait for a period of 2-3 years while its program is evaluated.
While program accreditation is currently voluntary, attending an accredited program means that a standard of learning outcomes and expectations, determined by students, graduates, educators, and employers, has been achieved.
Some institutions may prefer graduates of accredited programs during the employment application and screening process; however, graduates of non-accredited programs can still obtain meaningful, long-term employment with reputable organizations.
Learn about the essential competencies (i.e., the knowledge, skills, and attitudes) required by physiotherapist assistants working under the supervision of a physiotherapist in Canada at the beginning of and throughout their career.
There is a broad range of pay based on the expertise of the PTA, setting, and location in Ontario.
Search for job listings that include: “Rehabilitation Assistant”, “Rehab Assistant”, “Physiotherapy Assistant”, Physiotherapist Assistant”, “Physiotherapy Aide”, and “Community Rehabilitation Worker” to find out salaries in your area.
You can also search job portals for specific organizations to compare what compensation might look like in different settings in your location.