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DiplomaRecommended
Diploma of Therapist Assistant
- Edmonton, Canada
- 2 years
- English
- On campus
- Diploma
About the program
Two-year diploma preparing assistants to support occupational therapists, Physiotherapists and recreation therapists.
Program highlights
- Internship available: yes
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (0 year): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Demonstrate concepts and methods in Therapist Assistant to solve relevant problems. Develop competence in Year one covers anatomy and physiology
- Psychology. Present findings clearly and consider professional or research ethics.
Career outcomes
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Physiotherapy assistant
- Recreation therapy assistant
- Further study in recreation therapy or occupational or physical therapy
Curriculum
- Year one covers anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Communication
- Disease and disability and client care
- With discipline-specific courses and practicums. Year two covers kinesiology
- Mental health
- Therapeutic modalities
- Professional practice and a capstone
- Plus two five-week preceptorships.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Alberta Grade 12 or equivalent with English (ELA 30-1 or 30-2) and three subjects
- Or previous post-secondary credit
- Some programmes add criteria such as references or a security check
- Competitive programmes need higher averages.
- Varies by programme.
Accepted academic background
High school diploma with ELA 30-1 or 30-2 and three subjects (Alberta Grade 12 or equivalent) under the regular category, Or previous post-secondary credit, Some programmes add criteria (portfolio, References, Security check, Prior diploma), Mature category is Canadian applicants only.
Language tests
- IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT 86 (min 21 per section
- Duolingo tests taken before 2026-01-21) or 4.5 overall and per section on the new TOEFL scale (tests taken from 2026-01-21)
- PTE Academic Duolingo 115
- Cambridge PTE Academic 59 (no band below 56)
Documents you’ll need
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Test Results (if applicable)
- Recommendation Letters (if required).
How to apply
- Check the programme requirements and deadline (Fall May 1
- Winter October 1. Some programmes March 30). Choose programmes and consult an international recruiter if needed. Apply online through ApplyAlberta (110 CAD application fee). Upload transcripts
- English test results and required documents. Accept the offer and pay the 1
- 000 CAD international confirmation deposit
- Applied to tuition. Provide the Provincial Attestation Letter MacEwan requests with the offer
- Then apply for a study permit with proof of funds.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $28,230 CAD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $110 CAD |
| Deposit | $1,000 CAD |
Program details
| Campus | City Centre Campus |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Faculty of Health and Community Studies |
| Department | Therapist Assistant |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 60 |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 0 year |
| Scholarship note | Scholarship consideration may depend on the specific program, Academic merit, Applicant status and available funding. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
30 Mar 2027
136 days left
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 2 years.
The next deadline is 30 Mar 2027. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $28,230 CAD per year. The application fee is $110 CAD. The deposit is $1,000 CAD. The estimated living cost is $23,448 CAD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 86 (min 21 per section, Duolingo tests taken before 2026-01-21) or 4.5 overall and per section on the new TOEFL scale (tests taken from 2026-01-21), PTE Academic Duolingo 115, Cambridge PTE Academic 59 (no band below 56).

