The quality and reputation of the Okanagan College therapist assistant program has been recognized nationally.
It has received accreditation from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program.
Therapist assistants are trained to work in the rehabilitation field alongside both occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
“It took two years to go through the process,” said program instructor Siri Marken, who guided the department through accreditation.
“It was definitely a lot of work but there are so many positives. It shone a light on the program and increased the level of understanding of what we do.
“The college gets nationwide recognition, students have a more valuable credential, and employers have reason for even greater confidence in our practicum students and graduates, knowing we adhere to national competencies.”
OC’s therapist assistant program was the first of its kind in Canada when it launched as a one-year certificate in 1990, transforming into a two-year diploma in 2005.
It was one of the first programs to pursue and achieve accreditation, joining only five other institutions to have successfully completed the process.
Each year, a full intake of 36 students begins studies at the college’s Kelowna campus. Graduates have historically achieved strong employment rates.
