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Diploma of Therapist Assistant

MacEwan University

  • Edmonton, Canada
  • 2 years
  • English
  • On campus
  • Diploma

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MacEwan University campus

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

  1. Check the programme requirements and deadline (Fall May 1
  2. 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
  3. English test results and required documents. Accept the offer and pay the 1
  4. 000 CAD international confirmation deposit
  5. Applied to tuition. Provide the Provincial Attestation Letter MacEwan requests with the offer
  6. 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

CampusCity Centre Campus
Faculty or schoolFaculty of Health and Community Studies
DepartmentTherapist Assistant
Teaching languageEnglish
Credit value60
Study paceFixed
Post-study stay0 year
Scholarship noteScholarship 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.