St. Clair College and the University of Windsor are proud to announce an exciting new academic pathway that expands post-graduate opportunities for St. Clair College Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) students through a formal articulation agreement with the University of Windsor.
Through this agreement, eligible graduates of St. Clair College's OTA/PTA program can now receive transfer credit toward the completion of an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Windsor. This pathway recognizes the strength, rigour, and applied learning embedded in St. Clair College's OTA/PTA diploma, allowing graduates to build on their existing education and advance their academic and professional goals more efficiently.
Under the new pathway, students who have successfully completed the two-year OTA/PTA diploma and achieved the required academic standing may enter the University of Windsor's Honours BSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies program, with a thesis option. This creates a seamless transition from applied health care practice to advanced study in human movement, health, and rehabilitation sciences.
"This articulation agreement reflects our shared commitment to student mobility and academic excellence," said Dr. Stephanie De Franceschi, Chair of the School of Health Sciences at St. Clair College. "It opens doors for our OTA/PTA graduates to continue their education, deepen their expertise, and expand their career pathways in the health sciences."
The partnership is the result of close collaboration between faculty and academic leaders at both institutions. Dr. John Spirou, Coordinator and Professor in the OTA/PTA program, emphasized the value of the agreement for students.
"Our graduates are exceptionally well prepared through hands-on, client-centered training," Dr. Spirou said. "This pathway acknowledges their learning and provides a clear, achievable route to a university degree."
At the University of Windsor, the Faculty of Human Kinetics welcomes OTA/PTA graduates into a program known for its strong focus on research, applied learning, and community engagement.
"This exciting pathway agreement with our partners at St. Clair College will offer an exceptional learning opportunity for our students," said Dr. Cheryl Collier, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic at the University of Windsor. "We hope this is one of many new partnerships to come in collaboration with our colleagues at St. Clair to provide more educational and career options for students in the Windsor-Essex community and beyond."
Dr. Sarah Woodruff, Professor and Associate Dean, Academic Programs, Faculty of Human Kinetics, and Dr. Linda Rohr, the Dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor, highlight the alignment between the two programs.
"OTA/PTA graduates bring valuable practical experience and a strong foundation in rehabilitation and health studies," said Dr. Woodruff. "They are a natural fit for the Honours BSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies."
"Rooted in experiential learning, the Honours BSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies prepares graduates for many health-related careers," Dr. Rohr said. "The articulation agreement with St. Clair's OTA/PTA program and the Department of Kinesiology provides an outstanding pathway for students to continue their academic journey."
This new pathway underscores St. Clair College's ongoing commitment to creating student-centered transfer opportunities that support lifelong learning, career advancement, and academic success. For OTA/PTA students, it represents a significant milestone - turning a college diploma into a powerful steppingstone toward a university degree and expanded opportunities in the health and rehabilitation sector.
"St. Clair College is thrilled to work with the University of Windsor to offer this pathway to our OTA/PTA students," said Monica Staley Liang, Senior Vice President, Academic and Career Supports at St. Clair College. "It is a true reflection of our collective commitment to offer students exceptional educational opportunities. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the University of Windsor."
