Therapeutic Recreation

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a career in the field of Therapeutic Recreation.

  • Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
  • Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Culinary, Hospitality and Recreation

Develop advanced knowledge of how to complete participant assessments, create individualized and group programs and document participant outcomes. Apply a variety of facilitative techniques to promote inclusive and meaningful recreation and leisure experiences, and advocate for participants across a variety of service settings to maximize environmental resources that are essential for well-being. Through collaboration, teamwork, research and professional involvement, you learn to adapt, implement and evaluate recreation activities to meet the needs of people in a wide range of settings. Develop your professional identity and goals to prepare you for placement and employment, which may include private practice. Your placement consolidates the skills and learning that you have attained throughout your coursework.

Graduates may work with people of all abilities that may include physical or developmental disabilities, seniors, children with diverse learning needs, youth at risk, as well as individuals with addictions, mental health issues or head injuries. Specifically, you may find work in recreation, health or social service organizations such as:...(read more)

Overview

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a career in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Specialists work with individuals who, due to illness, disability or other life circumstances require assistance to meet their individual goals and dreams. In this program, you develop a strong foundation of skills and knowledge to facilitate purposeful, quality leisure experiences. You use the tools of recreation and leisure to provide client centred, strengths-based therapeutic recreation services, which lead to happiness, well-being and quality of life.

Develop advanced knowledge of how to complete participant assessments, create individualized and group programs and document participant outcomes. Apply a variety of facilitative techniques to promote inclusive and meaningful recreation and leisure experiences, and advocate for participants across a variety of service settings to maximize environmental resources that are essential for well-being. Through collaboration, teamwork, research and professional involvement, you learn to adapt, implement and evaluate recreation activities to meet the needs of people in a wide range of settings. Develop your professional identity and goals to prepare you for placement and employment, which may include private practice. Your placement consolidates the skills and learning that you have attained throughout your coursework.

Graduates may work with people of all abilities that may include physical or developmental disabilities, seniors, children with diverse learning needs, youth at risk, as well as individuals with addictions, mental health issues or head injuries. Specifically, you may find work in recreation, health or social service organizations such as:

  • long-term care facilities
  • adult day programs
  • hospitals and health care agencies
  • rehabilitation centres
  • senior residential facilities
  • centres for independent living
  • mental health agencies
  • addiction services
  • municipal community-based programs
  • group homes
  • outreach community health and wellness agencies
  • private family care, and
  • forensic and youth services

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Are open-minded, compassionate and caring.
  • Enjoy learning about, and working with people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional challenges.
  • Excel working as part of interprofessional teams and independently.
  • Are enthusiastic, creative and innovative.
  • Have strong problem-solving and brainstorming skills.
  • Possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Read this before applying:

If you are interested in taking this program part time the first step will be to apply through Ontario Colleges at https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en

Courses

Course
Number
HoursCourse Name
Series: 01
HLT032642.0Foundations of Therapeutic RecreationFoundations of Therapeutic Recreation

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT032742.0Leadership and Adaptive RecreationLeadership and Adaptive Recreation

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT032842.0Therapeutic Recreation and Selected Populations ITherapeutic Recreation and Selected Populations I

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT032942.0Therapeutic Recreation and AgingTherapeutic Recreation and Aging

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT033642.0Therapeutic Recreation AssessmentTherapeutic Recreation Assessment

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT034442.0Anatomy and Physiology for HealthcareAnatomy and Physiology for Healthcare

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 02
HLT035142.0Facilitation TechniquesFacilitation Techniques

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT035242.0Issues and Trends in Therapeutic RecreationIssues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT035342.0Research, Evaluation and DocumentationResearch, Evaluation and Documentation

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT035442.0Therapeutic Recreation and Selected Populations IITherapeutic Recreation and Selected Populations II

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT035542.0Field Placement Preparation and Therapeutic Recreation Entrepreneur DevelopmentField Placement Preparation and Therapeutic Recreation Entrepreneur Development

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HLT035642.0Leisure EducationLeisure Education

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 03
FLD0012560.0Therapeutic Recreation Field PlacementTherapeutic Recreation Field Placement

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HLT0327 - Leadership and Adaptive Recreation

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Having an in-depth understanding of recreation leadership, combined with accurate adaptation of activities, is critical to meeting the needs of clients while facilitating valuable outcome-based programs. Students learn to systematically develop and lead recreation activities using current program planning standards, activity analysis, adaptation and leadership skills. Students examine leadership theory and techniques and self-discover their own unique style. Topics explored include supervision, motivation, collaboration, communication, empowerment and team development, particularly from the perspective of working with clients, staff, volunteers and other team members.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment as recreational therapists, recreation/restorative aides, recreationalists, activation therapists, recreation program coordinators, recreation facilitators, recreation programmers, recreation assistants, therapeutic recreation coordinators and community program facilitators.

Graduates of this program are eligible to become registered members of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO). Membership type will depend on the postsecondary credentials they hold. For more information, please see Additional Information.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Provide for the safety of clients, self and others in compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, standards and ethical practices.
  2. Assess individual needs, strengths, challenges and interests of people experiencing barriers to healthy leisure lifestyle in order to assist them in meeting their goals.
  3. Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with ministry guidelines, professional standards of practice and organizational policies and procedures.
  4. Plan, implement and evaluate holistic individual and group recreation therapy programs which respond to identified needs, align with assessment results and adhere to current best practices.
  5. Provide individual and family therapeutic functional intervention, leisure education support, and opportunity for recreation participation.
  6. Research, analyze and evaluate recreation therapy activities and programs using evidence based practices. Plan, implement and evaluate community, private and institutional programs and/or services and processes to enhance quality of life for clients.
  7. Collaborate with individuals, caregivers, interprofessional teams, volunteers and community service providers using a person-centered approach to promote personal, social, economic and the health-related benefits of recreation therapy services.
  8. Develop and plan for ongoing personal and professional growth and development.
  9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2022/2023 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Textbooks and supplies cost approximately $1,000 for this program.

Admissions Requirements

Program Eligibility

  • Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent credential in a health-related or human services field.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.

Standard First Aid - you must have a valid Standard First Aid certificate which is valid for a three (3) year period and CPR-Level C in order to attend any clinical practice which must remain current until the end of placement. Please note that on-line CPR courses do not meet the re-certification standards required for your program. Some agencies offer Standard First Aid and CPR as a package. For the purposes of this program, CPR credits must be valid until the end of placement and earned as a distinct credit from First Aid courses. CPR earned with a Standard First Aid course will not be accepted.

Accepted applicants must submit a Health Assessment form and provide an Immunization Certificate prior to entry to the program. Applicants must have complete immunization including Hepatitis B, and T.B. test (a Chest X-ray is required if the T.B. test is possibility) and are required to have annual immunization for influenza by some clinical affiliates.

Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from this program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.

It is the responsibility of the accepted applicant to obtain the PRCSVS from their local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by the Program Department and to pay any associated costs. Obtaining this documentation may be a lengthy process so it is advised to submit a PRCSVS application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.

Application Information

Read this before applying:

If you are interested in taking this program part time the first step will be to apply through Ontario Colleges at https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en

Additional Information

Program Resources

Graduates of this program are eligible to become registered members of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO). Membership type will depend on the postsecondary credentials they hold:

  • R/TRO for graduates with degrees
  • R/TRO DIP for graduates with diplomas

For more information, please visit: https://www.trontario.org/.

Graduates may also apply to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) using one of two specific pathways (equivalency path A or B). For more information regarding these pathways, please visit: http://www.nctrc.org/new-applicants/paths-to-certification/.

Should you require further information, please contact the Program Coordinator, Patricia Robson, robsonp@algonquincollege.com, (613)727-4723 ext. 5435.

Programs at Algonquin College are Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). To see the BYOD requirements for your program, please visit: http://www7.algonquincollege.com/byod/

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