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Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma

Credential
Diploma

Duration
16 month(s)

Talk to a student recruitment advisor
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Faculty
Education, Health & Human Development

School
School of Allied Health

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 be providing physical, cognitive, communication or psychosocial support. Clients come from all demographics and range from newborns to the elderly.

Additionally, the diploma program has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program. For more information about accreditation, please visit the OTAPTA website.

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

Rehabilitation Assistant students on a practicum placement.

Three clinical practicum placements

During the RADP program, you'll put your skills to the test in three separate health care fieldwork placements, totaling 15 weeks on the job, learning alongside experienced clinicians.

Career paths

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

Northern B.C. mixed-mode program coming in 2025

CapU plans to offer a mixed-mode version of the program for domestic students living in northern B.C., starting in May 2025. This program may accept students who don't live in the north if space permits in early 2025.

During this 16-month program, you'll primarily learn virtually, apart from four weeks of lab skills work at CapU: two weeks in both the second and third terms.

With three full-time practicum placements in your home community, this program is ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade their skills without relocating. For more information about this intake, contact us today.

Contact the Rehabilitation Assistant program

Rehabilitation Assistant student working with a client.
"It has been exciting to watch the rehabilitation assistant role develop to the point now that recruiters are in our classroom hiring all our students before they graduate. There are so many more jobs than our students can fill."
Tracy Dignum, Rehabilitation Assistant instructor

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Contact us

For more information about the Rehabilitation Assistant program, contact us today.

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Information sessions

Plan ahead with this extensive calendar of program information sessions and open houses.

Upcoming info sessions

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Intakes

Fall 2025

Location
North Vancouver

Course load
Full-time

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 1, 2024 – Apr 1, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jun 23, 2025

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 25, 2025

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Review this program's admission requirements

Learn more about the admission process

Thank you for your interest in the Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma Program! Below is information on the admission process specific to the RADP program, which starts in the Fall term each year.

  • Contact rehab@capilanou.ca to express your interest in the program. You will be sent a link to our virtual information session, along with our Information package.
  • If after viewing the session you would like to apply to the program, submit the Information session completion form to rehab@capilanou.ca to confirm you have viewed the session.
  • Complete your online application and upload your RADP supporting documents. Details and deadlines are provided in the information package.

First-time applicants submit your application on EducationPlannerBC

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

Receive an acknowledgement email

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Submit your official transcripts

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Library Building, Room LB152
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Official university or college transcripts

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Certified documents

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

Original academic documents

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Get ready for your first day

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Library Building, Room LB152
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Review this program's admission requirements

Learn more about the admission process

Thank you for your interest in the Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma Program! Below is information on the admission process specific to the RADP program, which starts in the Fall term each year.

  • Contact rehab@capilanou.ca to express your interest in the program. You will be sent a link to our virtual information session, along with our Information package.
  • If after viewing the session you would like to apply to the program, submit the Information session completion form to rehab@capilanou.ca to confirm you have viewed the session.
  • Complete your online application and upload your RADP supporting documents. Details and deadlines are provided in the information package.

Learn about CapU's admission requirements and submit your application

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

Receive an acknowledgement email

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Submit your official transcripts

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Official high school, university, or college transcripts

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Certified documents

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

Original academic documents

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Receive letter of offer

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

Receive letter of acceptance and apply for a study permit

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Get ready for your first day

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $4,621 $1,792 $6,413
Year 2 $4,621 $1,792 $6,413
Total $9,242 $3,584 $12,826
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $20,692 $1,792 $22,484
Year 2 $20,692 $1,792 $22,484
Total $41,384 $3,584 $44,968

Tuition & Fees Estimator

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Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

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Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

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On this page

Required Courses

First Term

Total credits: 16.50

Required:
RADP 100Rehabilitation and Professional Skills in Health Care3.00 credits
RADP 111Rehabilitation Principles and Practices: OT/OTA2.25 credits
RADP 112Rehabilitation Principles and Practices: PT/PTA2.25 credits
RADP 120Growth and Development for Rehabilitation Assistants0.50 credits
RADP 121Functional Anatomy, Theory and Skills: OTA/PTA3.00 credits
RADP 130Disease, Injury and Intervention: Musculoskeletal Systems1.00 credits
RADP 131Musculoskeletal Theory and Skills: OTA2.25 credits
RADP 132Musculoskeletal Theory and Skills: PTA2.25 credits

 

Second Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
RADP 101Effective Therapeutic Communication in Rehabilitation1.50 credits
RADP 113Rehabilitation Principles and Practices: SLP/SLPA2.00 credits
RADP 114Rehabilitation Principles and Practices: RA1.00 credits
RADP 122Physiology and Cardio-Respiratory Theory and Skills: PTA1.00 credits
RADP 140Disease, Injury and Intervention: Psychosocial/Cognitive Systems1.50 credits
RADP 141Psychosocial/Cognitive Theory and Skills: OTA/PTA2.00 credits
RADP 190Practicum: Fieldwork I6.00 credits

 

Third Term

Total credits: 16.50

Required:
RADP 210Administrative Support Systems for Rehabilitation Assistants1.50 credits
RADP 230Disease, Injury and Intervention: Neurological System1.50 credits
RADP 231Neurology Theory and Skills: OTA3.00 credits
RADP 232Neurology Theory and Skills: PTA3.00 credits
RADP 233Neurology Theory and Skills: SLPA1.50 credits
RADP 290Practicum: Fieldwork II6.00 credits

 

Fourth Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
RADP 201Advanced Communications in Rehabilitation1.50 credits
RADP 211Recreation Techniques for Rehabilitation Assistants1.50 credits
RADP 240Gerontology Theory and Skills: OTA/PTA2.00 credits
RADP 243Audiology Theory and Skills: SLPA1.00 credits
RADP 250Community Integration Theory and Skills: OTA/PTA3.00 credits
RADP 291Practicum: Fieldwork III6.00 credits

Total program credits: 63.00

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate application of RA Frame of Reference incorporating Plan, Do, Observe & Record.
  • Demonstrate professionalism by taking responsibility for assigned tasks, using appropriate language, integrating constructive feedback and managing time efficiently.
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately with clients, clinicians/team members, peers and instructors through oral, written and/or non-verbal methods.
  • Demonstrate mastery upon completion of RA program by achieving CGPA (cumulative grade point) of B average or better in all coursework, and credit status in 3 practicum placements.
  • Acquire, demonstrate and maintain practical skills necessary to fulfill the role of a rehabilitation assistant.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Allied Health
604 984 4960
604 984 4993 (fax)
Cedar Building, room 342
rehab@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca