Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant students connect classroom to community
Over the past few weeks, Mohawk College Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) students have been putting their theoretical learning into practice through a series of experiential learning opportunities.
First‑year OTA/PTA students took part in “Coffee and Conversations” at Schlegel Villages—both Wentworth Heights in Hamilton and Tansley Woods in Burlington. During these visits, students were paired with residents to practice and refine their therapeutic communication skills. The experience is mutually beneficial, offering meaningful interaction for students while enriching the daily lives of residents within the Schlegel community.
Semester 2 OTA/PTA student Christopher Jette stated: "The Tansley Woods residents and staff embraced [us] with open arms. The resident volunteers were eager to speak to [us] and share their experiences, as well as the benefits and challenges of living in the Tansley Woods community. It certainly provided a great perspective on the vast resources these residents have at their disposal, and inspired some critical thinking on additional ways the residents can further engage with and benefit from their community and support systems at Tansley Woods."
Second-year OTA PTA students had community partners Motion and Blake Medical visit their OTA skills lab, bringing a range of therapeutic mattress surfaces for our students to examine. This allowed students to compare various mattress surfaces and apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world therapeutic tools, which are used to support healthy skin integrity. OTA/PTAs play an essential role in setting up appropriate equipment and educating patients on managing pressure injuries. Experiences like this help prepare students for the clinical responsibilities they will encounter in practice.
When OTA/PTA students get out into their field they will practice under the supervision and assignment of a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physiotherapist (PT). With this in mind, some second-year OTA/PTA students recently had the opportunity to collaborate with McMaster Occupational Therapy students during their skills lab, supported by the same community partners. Learning together strengthened both groups’ understanding of each other’s roles and highlighted the value of the OT/OTA collaboration in clinical environments.
Semester 4 OTA/PTA student Muntakha Sveidan reflected on this experience: “We truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of this experience and to represent the OTA/PTA program. It was a meaningful and purposeful experience that deepened our understanding of the impact of our roles in supporting patient care, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in practice.”