Rehabilitation Assistant
JOB DETAILS
Salary Range
$41,000 – 49,000
Recommended High School Courses
Math 40S
English 40S
Biology, Chemistry or Physics 40S
Current CPR (Basic Rescuer)
First Aid Certificate
Rehabilitation Assistants work in a variety of settings in Manitoba. Knowledge and understanding of roles and responsibilities of a rehabilitation assistant is necessary when thinking about enrolling in technical training. The information provided in this booklet will assist you in your studies and will increase your awareness of the roles and responsibilities of rehabilitation assistant. A detailed description of job duties, employment requirements, skills, education and training are all included in this package.
Description Rehabilitation Assistants provide services and assistance to health care professionals and other health care staff. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, offices of health care professionals and personal care homes. They are classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) # 3414. The title “Rehabilitation Assistant” refers to a paraprofessional who works as a member of the health care team under the supervision of and with occupational therapists (OTs), physiotherapists (PTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists.
The Rehabilitation Assistant works with clients in a variety of settings providing hands-on rehabilitation, such as exercise, range of motion, splinting, activities of daily living, adjusting hearing aids or performing hearing screening.
Rehabilitation Assistants find work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and physiotherapy clinics.
Rehabilitation Assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assists assigned clients with established rehabilitative activities such as mobility and strengthening exercises, walking programs and activities of daily living as directed.
- Provide training which helps clients to develop, maintain or restore physical, psychosocial, cognitive and/or communication skills according to the plan.
- Plan training activities, delivered individually or in groups, may include ambulation; exercises at home or the gym; activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating; speaking, reading or writing practice; home management such as meal planning and preparation; vocational support such as a graduated return to work program; or leisure activities.
- Demonstrates to clients the use of prescribed treatments / adaptive devices such as braces, wheelchairs and walkers and modified eating utensils and personal care items as directed.
- Assists clients in dressing and toilet needs as required in preparation for and following rehabilitative treatment; assists with transfers and positioning as directed / required.
- Transports clients to and from rehabilitative treatment areas utilizing mechanical aids such as wheelchairs and stretchers.
- Reports observations of clients’ behaviour and progress to Therapist / Registered Nurse; communicates concerns and / or changes to resident condition.
- Sets up and organizes furnishings and equipment for related activities as directed; cleans and maintains equipment and reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate staff.
- Maintains an inventory of equipment, devices and materials. (continued on next page)
- May be involved in administrative and program support. This includes working with the client and the environment such as scheduling and greeting patients
Training & Education Routes
Winnipeg Technical College
The Rehabilitation Assistant program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe and competent standard of rehabilitation care to clients and their families experiencing health needs under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), Occupational Therapist (OT) and/or Physical Therapist (PT).
Program content consists of patient/health care provider experiences and effective communication in professional situations.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must have obtained a complete Grade 12, or an equivalent or Mature Student status (defined as at least 19 years of age, and one year out of high school):
- Grade 12 Math (40S)
- Grade 12 English Language Arts (40S)
- Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry or Physics (40S)
This program requires a special Application form that can be picked up at any one of the following Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology locations:
- Henlow Campus
- Fultz Campus
- Pembina Campus
Program Duration and Location
- Full-time students – 10 months
- Class hours – day (8:45 am-3:15 pm)
- Location – Winnipeg Technical College, Pembina Campus and Red River College, Notre Dame Campus
Work Practicum
The Rehabilitation Assistant program features a Work Practicum placement in a local workplace which provides students with on-the-job training and experience. Students will apply skills learned in the classroom and develop new skills through working within an actual employer’s facility. Work Practicum placements may involve hours outside of the regular work day. Students must be available for work placements between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:30 pm. Students will be required to undergo a “Criminal Records Check” and a “Child Abuse Registry” check by Work Practicum hosts.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this program usually find employment as rehabilitation assistants in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and as teaching assistants in public schools.