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Rehabilitation Assistant
Open to International Students
Area of study
Health & Human Services
Credential
Certificate
Program Length
1 Year | Full time
Open Virtual TourProgram Overview
CIP Code: 51.0817
The Rehabilitation Assistant program equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide safe and competent rehabilitative care under the supervision of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Key features include hands-on practicum rotations and training aligned with current health care practices.
Core Information
September 2026 (Days)
January 2027 (Days)
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, kinesiology, and therapeutic skills.
- Practical Experience: Includes two preceptor-led work practicum rotations, each six weeks in duration, providing real-world experience.
- Interdisciplinary Training: Prepares students to work collaboratively with various healthcare professionals.
- Employability Skills: Participation in MITT’s Bridging to Work workshops provides students a solid foundation in the employability and essential skills employers demand.
Career Outcomes
You’ll be ready for a career as a rehabilitation assistant in a variety of health care settings, like:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Community and government health agencies
- Home care agencies
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy private practices
- Schools
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Community organizations
Entry Requirements
2025-2026
Domestic
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Grade 12 Math (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Grade 12 English Language Arts (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry or Physics (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
International
- High school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent.
- International applicants must meet the general entrance requirements based on country/curriculum of study. Applicants must also meet the program-specific requirements, including:
- Senior level Math with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Senior level First Language Literature with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Senior level Biology, Chemistry, or Physics with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- All high school grades will be converted to an equivalent Manitoba grade scale.
2026-2027
Domestic
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Credit in 40S Mathematics
- Credit in 40S English Language Arts
- Credit in 30S or 40S Biology
Mature Student eligibility and requirements for this program can be found on our Mature Students page.
International
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level Mathematics course
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level First Language Literature course
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level Biology course
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada).
Visit Admission Requirements to learn more.
Tuition and Fees
| Estimated Program Costs | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,935 |
| Fees | $1070 |
| Estimated Textbook Costs | $900 |
| Total Estimated Program Costs | $8,905.00 |
Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Visit Tuition and Fees and Program Information for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program runs for 12 consecutive months, excluding student success weeks and holidays. See the Academic Schedule for details.
Textbooks and Supplies
A complete supply list and textbook information can be found on the Program Information page.
Laptop Requirements
Students must bring a Tier 2 laptop for this program. More information and technical specifications are available on the Laptop and Technical Needs page.
Yes. Students complete a 7-week work placement in a professional rehabilitation setting. This allows them to apply classroom learning in a real-world environment and gain industry experience before graduation.
Practicum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Rehabilitation Assistant work practicum, students must meet the following criteria:
- Clearance Checks
- Police Information Check (PIC) with Vulnerable Sector (VS) clearance (completed in Manitoba, valid for six months).
- Child and Adult Abuse Registry checks (valid for six months and covering the practicum duration).
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Approved immunization record (per WRHA Health Care Worker guidelines).
- N95 Mask Fit Test.
- Certifications
- Emergency First Aid/CPR.
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
- Violence Protection Program (VPP).
- Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).
- Dementia training.
- Mood Disorders Association Manitoba training.
- MB Possible training.
- Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba training.
- Hearing Voices.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI).
- Academic and Professional Readiness
- Successful completion of all prerequisite courses.
- Demonstration of safe patient standard compliance.
Note: The work practicum is a mandatory program component. Students must meet all requirements to participate. MITT cannot guarantee placements for students who do not fulfill these criteria.
Additional Notes:
- Students must meet all clearance requirements, or they may be ineligible for practicum placement and program completion.
- Students are responsible for all costs associated with these clearances.
- Clearance documents must be obtained within the timelines specified by MITT.
- Students are covered by Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) insurance during their practicum.
- MITT does not guarantee practicum site choice or proximity to a student’s residence. The institution reserves the right to assign out-of-town placements, including remote locations.
- Practicum shifts may also be scheduled outside standard program hours.
Yes, financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Explore financial aid options.
Take Your First Step Towards Success
Learn more about this program
Fill out this form, and one of our helpful recruitment experts will contact you to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Rehabilitation Assistant
All Courses
Communication Skills (RH-110) — 50 hours
This course helps students develop effective interpersonal communication skills in preparation for their role as part of an interdisciplinary team within the institutional, community or clinical health care setting. The course also focuses on culturally competent communication and examines best practices within the Canadian healthcare environment. Class activities provide insight into the importance of effective communication for building rapport between the client and health care provider. In addition, group discussions focus on the importance of communication for effective teamwork, managing challenging conversations and maintaining respectful workplace policies. The overall objective of the course is to emphasize improved client-centered care as a result of proficient communication.Introduction to Rehabilitation: Health-Care System (RH-120) — 50 hours
This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of health care providers working in rehabilitation services. Topics include the function of the Canadian health care system and regional health authorities. Students will examine the common practices and unique roles of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathology and audiology. In addition, crucial ethical and legal responsibilities in the health care field are explored.Kinesiology of Movement (RH-130) — 110 hours
This course introduces the student to the study of clinical kinesiology in relation to functional and dysfunctional human movement. Students will learn the musculoskeletal anatomy of the human body with applications to functional activities of daily living.Therapeutic Skills I: Foundations (RH-140) — 90 hours
This course provides an overview of treatment techniques utilized in the rehabilitation field. These skills are the basis for providing safe and competent client care. Skill development at this level will establish the foundation required to progress toward acquiring knowledge and skills specific to Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Language Pathology.Therapeutic Skills II: Therapeutic Exercise (RH-180) — 50 hours
This course will explore rehabilitation exercise as it relates to diverse patient populations. The practical component of the course focuses on the development of skills and techniques necessary for the assistant to effectively support the delivery of physical and occupational therapy services.Therapeutic Skills III: Physical Therapy Modalities (RH-190) — 50 hours
This course provides an overview of the modalities used by Physical Therapists. Students will explore the fundamental concepts and theory related to therapeutic modalities. Students will learn the safe application of a variety of modalities commonly used in several rehabilitation settings.Therapeutic Skills IV: Occupational Therapy (RH-200) — 44 hours
This course provides an overview of the knowledge and skill requirements necessary for a rehabilitation assistant to support the delivery of Occupational Therapy services. Students will develop a range of techniques useful in a variety of Occupational Therapy rehabilitation settings.Therapeutic Skills V: Speech-Language and Audiology (RH-210) — 44 hours
This course provides an overview of the development of the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology discipline specific skill set. Students will explore the role of the rehabilitation assistant when supporting client’s with speech, language and communication difficulties. Students will develop a range of strategies and techniques useful for working with client’s who have communication impairments amongst diverse patient populations.Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology I (RH-240) — 84 hours
This is the first of a two-part series of courses. This course reviews the basics of building medical words, anatomy and physiology of the various body systems and medical abbreviations. The course also explores common disease conditions of the body and some associated pharmacological interventions.Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology II (RH-250) — 84 hours
This course will build on the content of Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology I and will explore the remaining body systems. This exploration includes common diseases, conditions, and some associated pharmacological interventions.Rehabilitation Assistant Work Practicum I (RH-260) — 240 hours
The Rehabilitation Assistant Work Practicum is based on a progressive learning structure and is divided into two 6-week rotations. This course is the first of the two work practicum components. The first rotation is scheduled after three-quarters of the program curriculum has been successfully completed by the student. The second rotation is the culminating experience of the Rehabilitation Assistant program. By the end of the second rotation, students are expected to perform at an entry-to-practice level of competence. Practicum is a preceptor-led placement where students work with an institutionally appointed Rehabilitation Assistant or Licensed Therapist in a clinical setting. It offers students the opportunity to gain industry-relevant experience and to build on their technical skills while increasing confidence, employability and job readiness.Rehabilitation Assistant Work Practicum II (RH-270) — 240 hours
The Rehabilitation Assistant Work Practicum is based on a progressive learning structure and is divided into two 6-week rotations. This course is the second of the two work practicum components. The first rotation is scheduled after three-quarters of the program curriculum has been successfully completed by the student. The second rotation is the culminating experience of the Rehabilitation Assistant program. By the end of the second rotation, students are expected to perform at an entry-to-practice level of competence. Rehabilitation Assistant practicum experiences are preceptor-led placements where students work under the direction of a licensed Therapist or institutionally appointed Rehabilitation Assistant. Practicums offer students the opportunity to gain industry-relevant experience while building entry-to-practice competence. Practicums are unpaid, work-integrated learning experiences.Developmental Psychology (RH-280) — 84 hours
This course focuses on the biopsychosocial development of the individual from conception to death. It emphasizes key concepts in developmental psychology, including past and present theoretical perspectives. Students will learn concepts related to normal human development and behaviour in order to understand and apply care giving techniques to those implicated with injury, illness or disease.Human Health Conditions in Rehabilitation I (RH-290) — 50 hours
Students will learn about frequently encountered diagnostic categories in pediatric, mental health, bariatric and geriatric populations. Topics include the physical and psychological aspects of these conditions and how they manifest within these patient populations. Students will learn the role that rehabilitation services provide to patients with these conditions in a variety of clinical settings.Human Health Conditions in Rehabilitation II (RH-300) — 110 hours
This is the final level of the two Human Health Conditions courses. In this course, students will learn about frequently encountered illnesses relating to musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. The physical impacts of these conditions will be taught with an emphasis on the role of therapy and the Rehabilitation Assistant.