Overview
The Therapeutic Recreation program prepares students with specialized training to work within recreation, health or social service delivery systems serving individuals of all abilities. Graduates will acquire the skills to complete client assessments, develop and evaluate group and individualized programs and use a variety of facilitative techniques to assist individuals to participate in meaningful recreational activities that will enhance health, improve functional ability and increase quality of life. The program is built on the core belief of the inherent benefits of play, recreation and leisure to all people. Students will learn to adapt recreation activities so people of all abilities can participate and to use recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve and/or restore health and wellness.
Our program includes face-to-face classes, hybrid classes (ie face-to-face learning integrated with online learning) and fully online courses to provide maximum flexibility for students who may be working in the field and wanting to upgrade their credentials.
Recognizing the increasing opportunities for private practice, a unique feature of our program is a course in Small Business Development to provide students with the skills in the areas of financial literacy, private practice documentation requirements, relevant business regulations, business planning, etc.
This programs begins Fall 2017.
Highlights
Graduates of the Therapeutic Recreation program may find employment working with individuals of all ages in health, recreation or human service organizations. Specifically, graduates may find work in long term care facilities, adult day programs, hospices, hospitals and health care agencies, rehabilitation centres, residential facilities, mental health agencies, addiction services and community agencies, schools, etc.
Long-term care and retirement living residences are the largest industry employing recreational therapists. Opportunities are expected to grow due to an aging population and changes to the Long-Term Care Homes Act. It is now a requirement for a designated lead of recreational and social activities programs to have a post-secondary diploma or degree in therapeutic recreation or other related field.