The quality of education at Sault College has once again been recognized with the recent accreditation of its Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) diploma program. The accreditation status, which was granted in late November, was awarded by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Program in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
“We are very proud and excited to announce the accreditation of the OTA/PTA program,” says Marilyn King, Dean of Health and Community Services. “This accomplishment was the culmination of a thorough review of not only this specific program and curriculum, but also the supports and services available throughout the College that help us to meet the needs of our learners,” she adds.
Students in the OTA/PTA program gain hands on experience preparing them for work in both fields of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist and/or a Physiotherapist. Obtaining accreditation status is a pivotal milestone in showcasing that the program meets industry standards.
“This status, in addition to our incredibly dedicated faculty and support services, increases the credibility of the program, which will ultimately help our students as they begin their careers in this field,” notes Marilyn. “Our graduates can boast that they received a top-notch education in a program that is nationally recognized.”
Sault College would like to extend a special thank you to all who helped achieve this great accomplishment, including Faculty member and Coordinator Joanna MacDougall, Faculty member Andrea Sicoli, Lab Specialist Brittany Currie, all adjunct faculty, Advisory Committee members, fieldwork placement agencies, and our dedicated students. “These individuals and groups played an instrumental role in this process. Through hard work and dedication we achieved our collective goal, and I couldn’t be more proud of this team, our program, and everything we’ve accomplished,” adds Marilyn.
The accreditation status is awarded to the program for a period of six years.
About Sault College
The vision of Sault College is to provide a transformative life experience through empowering those who study with us to think and learn in progressive, innovative ways, including those we have not yet imagined. Sault College grants Ontario College certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and degrees to its graduates. The College is the largest deliverer of apprenticeship training in all of Northern Ontario. Educating over 2,300 full-time and 4,000 part-time students each year, Sault College has a significant economic impact on the community, with spin-offs in excess of $158 million. Over $1.8 million dollars in scholarships, bursaries and awards are distributed annually to students at the College. Located on the border to the United States and situated in the middle of three of the largest Great Lakes on the planet, Sault College is one of 24 publicly-funded colleges in the province of Ontario.
Visit their website at www.saultcollege.ca to learn more.
