Do you enjoy helping others and want to turn your passion for wellness into a meaningful career? A career in therapeutic recreation could be a great way to make a difference in the lives of others while doing work you find rewarding.
Algonquin College’s one-year Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation gives you the opportunity to build on your previous education while developing the skills to use recreation and leisure activities to improve individuals’ health, participation, and quality of life.
Here are five reasons to consider taking the next step in your career with therapeutic recreation.
1. Make a Positive Difference
At the heart of therapeutic recreation is the opportunity to help people achieve their goals and experience greater well-being.
Through the program, you’ll learn how to design meaningful recreation programs that support individuals’ needs and goals. Whether it’s helping someone become more engaged in their community, discover a new activity, or simply experience greater enjoyment in their daily life, your work can have a positive impact.
2. Gain Real-World Experience
Putting your learning into practice is an important part of preparing for a career in therapeutic recreation.
You’ll develop your skills through 560 hours of hands-on placement in a variety of community and healthcare settings. These experiences give you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, build confidence, and graduate with practical experience that employers value.
3. Learn from Experts
Learning from people with experience in the field can help you better understand what it’s like to work in therapeutic recreation.
You’ll learn from experienced professors, hear from guest speakers, and connect with professionals working in the field. Class activities and group projects will also help you strengthen important workplace skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
4. Prepare for Career Opportunities
Therapeutic recreation professionals can make a difference in a variety of settings. The program prepares you to support individuals in areas such as healthcare, rehabilitation, long-term care, and community organizations.
The program also offers a pathway to registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) and eligibility toward becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), helping you prepare for the next step in your professional journey.
5. Learn Your Way
Going back to school is an exciting step, but balancing education with work and other commitments can be challenging.
With flexible synchronous classes, you can participate in live learning either in person or online. This flexibility makes it easier to pursue your education while managing your other commitments.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can use your passion for wellness to make a difference, therapeutic recreation could be the right fit for you.
Algonquin College’s Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation can help you gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience you need to support individuals in improving their health, participation, and quality of life.
Applications Open September 26 for Fall 2027
Planning ahead? Applications for the Fall 2027 intake open September 26. Start preparing now and take the next step toward a rewarding career in therapeutic recreation.
For more information or to discuss whether the program is right for you, contact Kayla Sparling, Program Coordinator, at sparlik1@algonquincollege.com to book a one-on-one meeting.