Mission Statement & Goals
Mission Statement:
To ensure that Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Recreation Therapy Assistants, and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants are an integral part of health care in Alberta.
Goals:
- To support the professional needs of Therapy Assistants.
- To assist with the growth and development of our members.
- To work in collaboration with the professional colleges.
- To maintain and improve the current Therapy Assistant standard of qualifications by implementation of the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta Certification Program. This has already been achieved.
- The Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta is committed to ensuring in the future that Therapy Assistants become a regulated/licensed profession. This will ensure the highest level of professional, quality therapy.
Note: At this time Therapy Assistant’s are not regulated and our titles are not protected. Any company or school is free to develop and promote Therapy Assistant education programs.
Vision Statement
To work towards licensing Therapy Assistants.
To work towards regulation of Therapy Assistants.
To see accreditation of post secondary Therapy Assistant diploma programs.
To secure a solid relationship with the OT, PT, SLP, and Rec Therapy provincial and national professional associations/colleges.
THERAPY ASSISTANT ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Code of Ethics
Preamble:
The Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta’s Code of Ethics is aimed at guiding the conduct of members working in occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation therapy and speech language pathology in Alberta.
Members should abide by this code and conduct themselves in a way that promotes the code. The Association is a para-professional organization in which membership within the association is voluntary. Therapy Assistants, in collaboration with regulated health professionals, promote health and provide the best possible therapeutic services for patients. As health para-professionals, Therapy Assistants should consider these principals that support the best interests of patients, the profession and the public.
1. A Therapy Assistant acts with honesty and integrity and upholds the ethical principles of the profession.
2. Members respect and support the patient’s individuality, dignity and confidentiality. Members will not exploit relationships with clients, supervisors, students, employees, or participants in any manner.
3. In treating clients, members will not discriminate in the delivery of services, on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or disability.
4. Members will work under the guidance and instruction of a supervising Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist , Recreation Therapist, and/or Speech Language Pathologist.
5. A Therapy Assistant shall demonstrate respect and value the knowledge and abilities of OTs, PTs, RTs, and SLPs, colleagues and other regulated health professionals.
6. A Therapy Assistant associates with and engages in the support of this organization, which promote the professions of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Recreation Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology through the utilization and enhancement of therapy assistants.
7. Members should assist in the education of the public regarding OT, PT, RT, and SLP and other matters lying within their professional competence.
8. A Therapy Assistant will only take part in those areas of practice that are within their own competence, taking into consideration their level of education, experience and training.
9. Members will not misrepresent services rendered.
10. Members will not intentionally misrepresent their credentials, education or training.
11. Members will not misrepresent the type or status of membership held within the association.
12. A Therapy Assistant maintains ongoing competency throughout their career and continually enhances his/her professional knowledge and expertise through continuing education and professional development.
13. Members shall aspire to keep a professional portfolio.