Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant

Acquire knowledge and hands-on experience for a fulfilling career in interdisciplinary rehabilitation therapy.

Credential:

Diploma

Program length:

6 Terms

Area:

Health & Wellness

School:

School of Health and Wellness

About

The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant diploma program prepares students to work in today's dynamic health care system. This program provides students with a strong occupational and physical therapy assistant background and incorporates essential assistant-level skills in therapeutic recreation and speech-language pathology. Extensive hands-on learning using equipment and technology in the lab combined with practicum placements prepare students to transition seamlessly into a discipline-specific or interdisciplinary role in rehabilitation.

This program includes 49 theory credits (735 hours), 11 lab credits (165 hours), and 19 practicum credits (840 hours).

Accreditation

The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma Program at Bow Valley College has Candidacy Status and can now take the next step towards accreditation by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTAPTA). Having Candidacy Status does not mean that the Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma Program at Bow Valley College will be accredited once the process is finished, but the first step is complete.

Facilities

The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma program has a designated lab to simulate rehabilitation practice in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and recreation therapy.

Work Integrated Learning

Learners will be required to travel to various locations to complete their Work Integrated Learning placements.  It is the learner’s responsibility to arrange travel to their clinical and/or practicum sites. Placements will take place within Calgary and surrounding areas including rural locations & areas across the province.  Every effort is made to accommodate learners for Work Integrated Learning placements within the program's duration, but in rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a Work Integrated Learning placement can be arranged.

Learners are responsible for any costs associated with their placement such as parking, transit, or accommodation.

Work Integrated Learning placements may include day shifts, evening shifts, night shifts, and/or weekend shifts. Shifts are determined by the placement sites and not the College.

Pre- Clinical Requirements

  • A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to student's first work integrated learning placement. Please look for information regarding submission deadlines. The PIC will be valid for the duration of the program, unless changes are required, in which case a new PIC will be required. PICs must be dated no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the program submission date.
  • To facilitate learners, Work Integrated Learning placements with our external partners, Rubella vaccination is mandatory, and many sites require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Failure to provide evidence of vaccinations will delay program completion. All other immunizations are highly recommended. Up-to-date immunizations are valid for the duration of the program.
  • Students are required to have current CPR certification and it must be renewed annually. Bow Valley College offers FACP9101: Basic Life Support CPR (Healthcare Provider Level) through Extended Education.
  • N95 mask fitting is required prior to the first Work Integrated Learning placement. Students will be able to register for this course (SAFT9406: N95 Mask Fitting) through MyBVC once they have started their program.

If students do not meet the requirements for Work Integrated Learning by the program’s submission deadline date, they will not be permitted to participate in Work Integrated Learning experiences for that term.

Admission requirements

  • Minimum 60% in English Language Arts 30-1, or 70% in English Language Arts 30-2, or equivalent
  • Minimum 60% Biology 30 or equivalent
  • Credit in Math 10C or equivalent

Applicants considering this program must be able to work variable shifts and weekends; be on their feet for extended periods of time; use their knees, back, and arms to move clients who have minimal body strength; and function effectively in stressful situations.

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English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Academic upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.

Available intakes

Starts in
Registration opens in
Domestic
International
January 2026
September 2026
Starts in
Registration opens in
March for May course start dates
July for September course start dates
November for January course start dates
To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.
March for May course start dates
July for September course start dates
November for January course start dates
To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.

Tuition and fees

Term
Tuition fees
Additional fees
Total fees*
Term 1
$3,490
$605
$4,095
Term 2
$3,060
$564
$3,624
Term 3
$1,836
$564
$2,400
Term 4
$3,642
$605
$4,247
Term 5
$3,836
$564
$4,400
Term 6
$1,000
$564
$1,564

Estimated total tuition:

total cost
Term
Tuition fees
Additional fees
Total fees*
Term 1
$10,475
$605
$11,080
Term 2
$9,500
$564
$10,064
Term 3
$5,700
$564
$6,264
Term 4
$10,396
$605
$11,001
Term 5
$10,518
$564
$10,942
Term 6
$2,409
$564
$2,973

Estimated total tuition:

total cost
*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only.  Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.

Courses

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Zero Textbook Cost

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Course is eligible for PLAR

Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
ENGL1201English Composition3

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IDTP1101Anatomy and Physiology for Rehabilitation3

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IDTP1102Introduction to Rehabilitation3

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IDTP1103Professional Communication and Collaboration3

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IDTP1301Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure3

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Earn a minimum grade of B in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP1201Therapeutic Mobility3

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Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP1104Functional Anatomy3

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IDTP1105Pathophysiology for Rehabilitation3

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Earn a minimum grade of B in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP1202Foundations of Occupational Therapy3

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IDTP1203Therapeutic Cardiopulmonary and Preventative Care3

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IDTP1204Therapeutic Modalities3

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Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2101Integrated Care in Rehabilitation3

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Earn a minimum grade of B in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP1205Therapeutic Exercise3

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IDTP1206Rehabilitation Assessment Measures3

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Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2996Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant Practicum7

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Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2201Mental Health and Cognitive Function3

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Earn a minimum grade of B in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2301Therapeutic Recreation Programs6

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Earn a minimum grade of C in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2202Rehabilitation for Diverse Populations3

Earn a minimum grade of B in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2401Speech and Communication Disorders3

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IDTP2402Language and Swallowing Disorders3

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Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2997Recreation Therapy Assistant Practicum4

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IDTP2998Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Practicum4

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Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
IDTP2999Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Practicum4

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Frequently asked questions

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