Capilano University

Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma

Capilano University

Faculty:Faculty of Education, Health & Human Development
Degree:Diploma
Field of Study:Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other
Length:16 Month(s)
Cost per year:*
National: $6,542

Cost shown is for Year 1 and includes fees.



Careers:Nurses Aides and Orderlies

Description:

The only program in Canada where you can take training that combines occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech/language audiology therapy.  

Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging career? Do you want to help people, enjoy being part of a team, and generally have a positive attitude? The 16-month Rehabilitation Assistant diploma at CapU is for you. 

Rehabilitation Assistants are employed in acute care, rehab hospitals and the community working as essential members of the health care team providing rehabilitation services. 

In this intensive program, you'll gain the skills to help people thrive, with courses in rehabilitation principles and practices, anatomy, musculoskeletal theory, physiology, therapeutic communication, disease, injury and intervention and more. 

The triple training provided in this unique program means you could provide physical, cognitive, communication or psychosocial support. Clients come from all demographics and range from newborns to the elderly. 

There is also additional funding available from the Government of B.C. for students interested in pursuing a career as rehabilitation assistants. 

This program has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The status of Accreditation was granted to the program on November 30, 2024, for the period until November 30, 2030. 

For more information about the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, please visit the OTAPTA website. 

Careers:  

  • Audiology 
  • Language therapy 
  • Neurorehabilitation 
  • Occupational therapy 
  • Physiotherapy 
  • Physiotherapy assistant 
  • Post-operative orthopedics 
  • Rehabilitation 
  • Rehabilitation assistant 
  • Speech therapy 

Prerequisites:

These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.

    Basic requirements 

    • High school graduation 
    • English Studies 12 or English 12 or English First Peoples 12 and at least 1 science: Biology 12, Anatomy and Physiology 12, Physics 12, Chemistry 12, or successful completion of a 100-level or higher post-secondary course in Human Anatomy and/or Physiology, or Biology 

    Current high school students 

    Grade 12 students can apply for conditional admission based on their final Grade 11 and/or interim Grade 12 marks by uploading their most recent grades (e.g., unofficial transcript or a report card) through EducationPlannerBC. Final admission depends on high school graduation and meeting the specific requirements of the program. 

    Note: Applicants from B.C high schools must release their grades to CapU via the BC Ministry of Education at Student Transcripts Services (STS) as soon as possible. 

    Application Notes :

    English is the language of instruction at CapU. All applicants are required to demonstrate competence in the English language prior to admission. If English is not your first language or you've received your education in a language other than English, you must meet our English Language Requirements.

    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests
    • Work Experience

    Program-specific requirements 

    • Attend a virtual information session and submit info session completion document 
    • Resume 
    • Letter of interest 
    • 2 letters of reference 
    • Successful completion of a minimum of 50 hrs of volunteer or paid work experience in a health or rehab context 
    • Successful applicant interview 
    • Conditions to be met upon acceptance: Current criminal record check, Standard First Aid & CPR level "C" certification, and a TB test 

    Additional information 

    • Applicants assessed on the basis of an interview, academic experience, relevant work experience, individual objectives & areas of interest 
    • Letter of interest - describe why you want to work in rehabilitation and why you would be an excellent candidate 
    • Letters of reference - from employers or responsible persons in the community one of which must certify the completed work experience 
    • Volunteer/paid work - experience with people compromised in activity or participation by disease or injury 
    • To qualify for fieldwork placements, students must have a Standard First Aid & CPR level "C" certification, a TB test, and a current clear criminal record check 

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

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    Modified on September 07, 2025

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