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Program Information

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Community and Therapeutic Recreation

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Duration: Two Years


 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

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:
  1. Identify recreational needs for diverse community groups including those with special needs and challenges.
  2. Plan and design community and therapeutic recreation programming.
  3. Engage in recreational and therapeutic community-based programming.
  4. Implement and administer programming in both recreational and therapeutic settings.
  5. Manage recreation environments for organizations and community groups.
  6. Apply recreation and leisure interventions to help improve physical, social, cognitive and emotional health.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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).
REFERENCES
[1] (PDF) Benefits of Play for the Social and Emotional Development of Children in Kindergarten (researchgate.net)
[2] Social & Emotional Benefits of Regular Exercise (healthfully.com)

Admission 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. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College 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 our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
 
Additional Admission 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.
 
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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: 
  1. 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. 
  2. After enrolment, additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities. 
  3. 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.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
RS1100
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Intro to Community Recreation 3 3 0
RS1280
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Program Planning 2 2 1
RS1451
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Intro to Therapeutic Recreation 4 3 2
RS1110
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Health & Wellness I 3 3 1
RS1115
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Media & Public Relations 3 2 2
FW1710
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Field Placement I 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
RS1210
close
Intro to Mental Health 3 3 1
RS1215
close
Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion 3 3 0
PS2340
close
Organizational Behaviour 4 4 0
RS1260
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Health & Wellness II 3 3 0
CM2100
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Workplace Correspondence 3 3 0
RS1255
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Outdoor Recreation I 2 2 1
FW1711
close
Field Placement II 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk
         
Semester 3   Cr Le La
RS1380
close
Therapeutic Interventions 4 3 2
RS1370
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Outdoor Recreation II 3 2 3
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
RS1240
close
Recreation Activities 3 2 2
RS1320
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Recreation Administration 3 3 1
RS1400
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Community Agencies 3 3 0
RS1440
close
Recreation Facilities 2 2 1
CM2300
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Report Writing 2 2 0
HN1200
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Human Resource Management 3 3 1
FW2710
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Field Placement III 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
RS1460
close
Recreation Programming for the Older Adult 3 3 1
RS1520
close
Risk Management & Legal Liability 3 3 0
RS1530
close
Principles & Procedures of Therapeutic Recreation 3 3 0
HR1120
close
Human Relations 4 4 0
MN1410
close
Special Events Management 4 3 2
FW2711
close
Field Placement IV 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk

 

Careers & Pathways


CAREER 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



Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $1,140.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $545.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $305.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due during confirmation of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • Deposit fee - First semester tuition of which $1500 is non-refundable
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $4,363.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $2,182.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
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Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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