Meet Josie, Therapeutic Recreation Grad

“I choose this program program as I was looking to further my education in the health & wellness sector after completing my undergrad degree. The instructors impressed me the most about this program. They were incredible in guiding me through the classes and ultimately helping me find my ideal career.
The program itself was my highlight from Algonquin College. It was a great program that really prepared me for the workforce.

In my program we had a 14 week placement, and it was a great experience for me. Having 14 weeks to get to know clients and learn the field of work was incredibly beneficial. I was able to create working relationships and secure a career from my placement locations. My placement in the program was with the organizations I work for now. My instructors saw my interests and made this happen for me. I will be forever grateful for their innovation and compassion when it came to me and my learning.

Algonquin College helped me find my dream career. Before starting Therapeutic Recreation I didn’t know where I wanted to go career wise. From the help of the instructors I found an incredible placement (turned into my career) and now I have clear goals and aspirations for my future self.

If you are considering this program take it! You won’t regret it, the instructors are incredible and are all current professionals in the field. They offer so much insight and real life examples, that makes learning so fun. Ask questions and go to class in person if you can! This program is currently a blended delivery program, and speaking from experience, you get so much more from being in person. You can ask questions during breaks and learn so much more with that quality time in class.

I am currently a Recreation Therapist that works in community based programming. My primary role is with Abilities Ottawa, where I am a program facilitator for our para sport education program. I am also the Paddle All Camp Coordinator at Ottawa River Canoe Club in the summer months.
Both of my positions have similar responsibilities, they are as follows: facilitate various sports/programs, communicate with teachers and parents, adapt programs on the spot to ensure all participants are included, plan & execute various programs and events.

It is hard to pinpoint just one personal/career accomplishment. However, I think my favorite personal accomplishment since graduation is being a person organizations seek out. I have had many conversations with various employers and have had to accommodate all of them so that I can be in as many places at once. I feel so strongly about this field of work, it truly makes me so proud to be a person think of in this field.

I came to the program after completing a university degree, and the learning I received in just one year from Algonquin College far exceeded the learning from my degree. The experience I gained and people I met are incredible. The networking I did and professionals I have met and national organizations I have worked with has been a dream. It truly was such an incredible experience.”

– Josie, Graduate, 2023, Recreation Therapist, Abilities Ottawa