An exercise in living fully
Today we are seeing an increased focus on personal wellness and the compelling recognition that it is paramount to leading full, satisfying and productive lives. This proactive movement is generating an increased demand for trained professionals in community and therapeutic recreation. These leaders create programs that embrace the diversity of communities, emphasize the importance of cultural connections and bring awareness to the benefits of balanced living.
If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in community and therapeutic recreation, this program not only delivers engaging coursework for a strong academic foundation, it also provides opportunities for practical experience and field placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and community and municipal centres. Through this strategic combination you will develop the leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed to be successful in this dynamic field.
Discover the importance of physical literacy and recreation, and how they promote independence, self-esteem, and satisfaction in a person’s life. Learn to apply the recreation and therapeutic processes of planning, implementation, evaluation, and assessment to empower others and support their leisure and recreation, assisting them in mastering their own fitness, health and wellness goals.
In this career, you will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life that shapes a community. You will have the opportunity to foster the growth for individuals’ social, emotional, and physical well-being that contributes to a thriving society encompassing all ages, genders, cultural needs and abilities. Equipped with this program’s exciting coursework, practical experience, and field placements, complemented with several health and wellness certifications, you will be ready to dive into this ocean of opportunity and potential.
Take that leap – apply today!
Program Highlights
- Access to a wide range of recreational pursuits including therapeutic recreation, outdoor recreation, and community-based programming appropriate to the various sectors of the industry
- Practical skill development
- Field placements
- Exposure to health and wellness, therapeutic and community recreation initiatives
Did You Know?
- Research shows that play is beneficial for social and emotional development. It helps children to learn self-control, emotion-regulation, communication, conflict resolution, and much more.[1]
- Taking part in leisure activities as a family is beneficial for children because adults are modeling healthy ways to handle stress and emotions.
- When you feel good physically, you are more likely to feel better emotionally.
- Therapeutic recreation improves an individual’s mood and overall wellbeing.
- Regular exercise reduces both anxiety and depression – both conditions improve after nine to 10 weeks of regular aerobic activity.[2]
- Community recreation creates social connections and bonds that lead to strong health and inclusive communities.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Identify recreational needs for diverse community groups including those with special needs and challenges.
- Plan and design community and therapeutic recreation programming.
- Engage in recreational and therapeutic community-based programming.
- Implement and administer programming in both recreational and therapeutic settings.
- Manage recreation environments for organizations and community groups.
- Apply recreation and leisure interventions to help improve physical, social, cognitive and emotional health.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of roles, including, but not limited to:
- Community Events Coordinator
- Community Outreach Worker
- Disability Camp Coordinator
- Facility Supervisor
- Manager of Community Services
- Program Director and Supervisor
- Recreation Assistant
- Recreation Attendant
- Recreation Coordinator
- Recreation Counsellor
- Recreation Program Instructor
- Recreation Therapy Worker
- Recreation Worker
- Seniors Outreach Supervisor
- Seniors Outreach Worker
- Workplace Wellness Coordinator
- Youth Coordinator
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a minimum 60% overall average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore, international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
Additional Entrance Requirements
The
Entrance Requirements - Additional Documentation Package identifies specific documentation that students are
required to provide for the Community and Therapeutic Recreation Program. You will receive this package as part of your letter of acceptance and these documents must be completed, signed, and returned prior to online registration.
- Section A: A clear Criminal Record Screening Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) with applications obtainable through the RNC, or a clear Criminal Record Check with applications obtainable through the RCMP. A Vulnerable Sector Check is also required.
These documents must be dated no more than two months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program. Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct may be denied access to field placements and will be unable to complete the program. Please note that after enrollment, additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
- Section B: First Aid and Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR)
Students must possess a valid First Aid Certificate and basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR), valid until the end of each semester.
- Section C: Immunization Record and Immunization-Communicable Diseases Screening Package
Students must complete and submit the Student Pre-Placement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Package prior to online registration.
Please Note:
- Copies of the required Criminal Record Screening Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) or the Criminal Record Check, along with the Vulnerable Sector Check, First Aid, CPR, Student Pre-Placement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Package are to be submitted prior to online registration; otherwise, students will not be able to attend class.
- After enrolment, additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
- Due to the physical nature of many of the courses offered throughout the two-year program, students are expected to be in good physical condition and demonstrate the ability to take part in intense physical activities in an indoor and outdoor setting.
Due to the outdoor components in the
RS1255 and
RS1370 courses, students are required to have appropriate equipment and the clothing necessary to successfully complete these courses (e.g. sleeping bag, back pack, rain gear - pants and jacket, winter clothing - jacket/pants/gloves/hat/boots, and other clothing/equipment appropriate for outdoor recreation activities and overnight camping).