One diploma. Training in four therapies. Endless ways to help.

Help people live stronger, more independent lives. As an Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant (IDTA), you’ll support clients across physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, and speech therapy—building teamwork and care skills that make a lasting difference.

Why choose Bow Valley College’s IDTA?

• Four-in-one training
  Learn the fundamentals of physical and occupational therapy, then expand your skills into recreation and speech-language therapy. You’ll graduate ready to contribute across a wide range of care environments.

• Hands-on experience
  Train in our dedicated therapy lab, built to mirror real rehabilitation spaces. You’ll use the same equipment and techniques found in professional settings.

• Meaningful placements
  Apply what you learn through supervised placements in PT/OT, recreation therapy, and speech-language pathology. Your final interdisciplinary practicum ties everything together, showing you how different therapies work as one.

• Career-ready, people-first
  Build confidence in communication, documentation, and collaboration while supporting clients from diverse backgrounds with empathy and respect.

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What you’ll be ready to do

• Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy): Support exercise and mobility programs under a physiotherapist’s guidance.
• Occupational Therapy: Help people engage in daily activities using adaptive strategies and equipment.
• Recreation Therapy: Lead activities that promote connection, confidence, and quality of life.
• Speech Therapy: Assist with communication and swallowing programs using evidence-based techniques.

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Accreditation

Bow Valley College’s IDTA Diploma currently holds Candidacy Status with the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTAPTA). The first step in the accreditation process.

‍Candidacy Status does not guarantee final accreditation.‍

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Facilities

Train in a designated therapy lab that simulates real rehabilitation practice across physical, occupational, recreation, and speech-language therapy disciplines.

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Work Integrated Learning

Gain valuable experience through placements in Calgary, nearby communities, and across Alberta — including rural areas. Students are responsible for arranging travel and related costs such as parking, transit, or accommodation. Shifts may include day, evening, night, or weekend hours, depending on placement site schedules.

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.

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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.

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Ready to make a difference?

Start your career in collaborative, compassionate care.

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