<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Therapist Assistant Diploma is an academic and practical foundation in the areas of health and rehabilitation science, and will take introductory-level university courses in English, Biology and Psychology. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to work as an Assistant to Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Recreational Therapists. 

Therapist Assistant Diploma

Okanagan College

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Option A:

1. One of:

    - High school graduation or equivalent
    - Minimum 19 years of age and out of high school for at least one year as of the first day of classes

2. English 12 (60%) or equivalent alternatives

3. Chemistry 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level ABE Chemistry course

4. Biology*
One of:
    - Biology 12
    - Anatomy and Physiology 12
    - BIOL 122 
    - BIOL 124
    - Equivalent Provincial Level ABE Biology course

Note(*): Biology 12 or BIOL 122 is strongly recommended. 

OR

Option B:

1. One of:
    - ENGL 100
    - ENGL 150
    - ENGL 151
    - ENGL 153
    - Equivalent

2. Both BIOL 131 and 133 or equivalent

3. Both PSYC 111 and 121 or equivalent

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Current certification in Red Cross Standard First Aid or St John Ambulance First Aid

2. Current certification in CPR Level C

3. Negative tuberculin test, taken no more than six months before the date of application, or evidence of appropriate follow up if the test was positive.

4. Criminal Record Check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office

5. Current immunizations, including hepatitis B, are strongly advised

6. Competency with computers and word processing are strongly advised

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. Pre-practice requirements for the program: 

    - Successful completion of all the BC Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC) including the 8-hour in-person classroom course

2. For the criminal record check, Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

3. The diploma has a demanding course load. You are also advised to take one or more of the following courses before beginning the program: BIOL 131 and 133 (strongly recommended); PSYC 111 and 121; one of: ENGL 100, 150, 151, or 153.

Admission Advice

Applications may be submitted starting on the first business day in October each year for the following Fall semester. Early application is strongly recommended. For details, see okanagan.bc. ca/apply.

Okanagan College

Therapist Assistant Diploma

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