Therapeutic Recreation

Description

Recreation Therapy is a dynamic and unique health care profession that allows clinicians to practice with flexibility, and creativity. You learn to provide client centered, strength-based services using the recreation therapy process that emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. You acquire the skills to complete client assessments and to plan, implement, evaluate and document group and individual recreation therapy programs. Through a number of experiential learning opportunities, you develop leadership and programming skills. A variety of techniques are explored in order to assist individuals to participate in meaningful recreation and leisure experiences to achieve health related goals, improve functional ability, and increase quality of life. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program may find employment in health or human service
organizations such as:

• Acute, chronic care, and other specialized hospitals
• Provincial agencies or facilities for individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities
• Rehabilitation programs
• Children's treatment centers
• Municipal recreation departments
• Long term care facilities/adult day programs
• Correctional programs and facilities
• Community or private agencies
• Private practice

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. conduct oneself professionally in a variety of settings according to professional standards, legislation, and organizational policies and procedures;
2. implement positive behavioural strategies in compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and ethical standards of practice;
3. assess individuals using a strength-based approach to develop personalized plans;
4. assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreational programming to meet individual and/or group needs;
5. develop and apply strategies for personal, career and professional development to enhance work performance and maintain currency with professional standards;
6. communicate and collaborate with individuals, stakeholders and interprofessional teams to coordinate and lead functional intervention, leisure education and counselling, and therapeutic recreation services;
7. maintain accurate documentation in accordance with current ministry guidelines, professional standards of practice and organizational policies and procedures;
8. research, analyze and evaluate therapeutic recreation activities using evidence based practices to inform program development;
9. implement recreation and leisure activities that are respectful of diverse cultures and traditions.

External Recognition

According to Therapeutic Recreation Ontario, the registration designation (R/TRO) is currently a voluntary credential intended to recognize a level of excellence. It is anticipated that the Government of Ontario will move towards regulation of the profession; however, that is not expected to occur for a number of years. When regulation does occur, the R/TRO designation may represent the minimum criteria necessary. For the present, even though it is not provincially mandated, some employers do require R/TRO designation for hiring; however, many employers do not.

Depending on previous post-secondary education, individuals may qualify for certification through National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Program Progression 

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Sem 3: Summer 2026

Admission Requirements

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent, with a specialty in health or human services.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Graduation Requirements

12 Program Courses
1 Internship

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester. The passing weighted average for promotion through each semester and to graduate is 60%.

Program Tracking 

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
TREC 1002	Assessment Processes of Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1003	Foundations of Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1004	Adapted Recreation for Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1005	Recreation Therapy with Selected Populations	42
TREC 1012	Therapeutic Relationships in Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1014	Biological Sciences in Recreation Therapy	42
	Hours	252
Semester 2
Program Courses
TREC 1007	Leisure Education	42
TREC 1008	Issues and Trends in Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1009	Organizational Leadership: Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1010	Facilitative Techniques in Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1011	Research in Recreation Therapy	42
TREC 1015	Nature of Disabilities in Recreation Therapy	42
	Hours	252
Semester 3
Internship
TREC 1017	Recreation Therapy Internship	560
	Hours	560
	Total Hours	1064

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of one year (as stated above) may take a maximum of two years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.