Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional)

Diploma of Health and Human Sciences

ANNOUNCEMENT

Academy Canada would like to officially announce the signing of a new leasing agreement with Douglas College for Therapeutic Recreation. Douglas College has recently changed their Therapeutic diploma program to a degree program.

In signing the new lease agreement, Academy Canada’s Therapeutic Recreation students, upon completion of their two-year program, will be able to apply for transfer of credit into the Therapeutic Recreation degree program at Douglas College. As per the license agreement:

The College [Douglas College] agrees to conduct an assessment of Academy Canada’s Therapeutic Recreation curriculum to determine a transfer agreement. This will provide graduates of [the] Academy Canada’s Therapeutic Recreation program transfer [of] credit up to 60 credits and an opportunity to apply to the College’s Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation degree program.

For more information call Academy Canada at 1-800-561-8000!

Duration: 5 semesters plus 4-4 week practicum

Program Description

Therapeutic Recreation is about play – and so much more. For Therapeutic Recreation practitioners and their clients, it’s about embracing challenges and helping people make the most of their lives.

Leisure and recreation are essential parts of a healthy life. Research has clearly shown that physical activity, stress reduction, good nutrition, mental stimulation and friendships are necessary to good health.

Traditionally, Therapeutic Recreation has focused on using recreation experiences to assist those people with disabilities and illnesses to overcome barriers that prevent them from achieving a fulfilling, quality of life. Currently therapeutic recreation is broader then that and includes services to people who have any barrier that prevents them from achieving optimal health and quality of life (i.e. employee wellness programs). The Therapeutic Recreation program focuses on providing leisure services to those with mental health issues, specifically teenagers.

For a young person with a spinal cord injury, therapeutic recreation is a way to increase endurance, strength and independence, and ease their return to community living. For the older person in a long-term care facility, recreation activities provide them with the social and physical stimulation that are essential in maintaining physical and emotional well-being, self-respect and development as a person. For the adult working in a busy workplace environment, leisure education and activities help build effective stress management skills, work-life balance and plans for a health and enjoyable retirement.

In the Therapeutic Recreation program you will learn about the importance of leisure and how it promotes health, self-esteem, self worth, status, recognition, employment, satisfaction, and/or independence.

(Source: Therapeutic Recreation Department, Douglas College, 2008)

Program Courses

• PSYC1130 Lifespan Human Development
• TRDN Therapeutic Recreation Delivery in NL
• THRT1203 Leisure, Recreation & Health Throughout the Lifespan
• THRT1101 Therapeutic Recreation Foundations
• THRT1202 Recreation Program Planning
• THRT1204 Principles & Practice of Health
• THRT2301 Program Planning in Therapeutic Recreation
• THRT2307 Valuing Diversity: Therapeutic Recreation & Mental Health
• THRT1205 Communication Skills for Recreation and Health
• ENGL1130 English
• THRT1102 Leisure & Recreation Foundations
• THRT2406 Recreation Leadership in Small Groups
• THRT2306 Inclusive Leisure Practice
• BIOL1105 Anatomy & Physiology I
• BIOL2105 Anatomy & Physiology II
• THRT2309 Physical Fitness: Assessment & Programming
• THRT2407 Valuing Diversity: Therapeutic Recreation Physical Development Disabling Conditions
• UCFA Understanding Culture and Faith
• ACDI Aging/Adoptions to Chronic Disease/Illness
• ADRD Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorder
• CFAG Challenges Facing Aging
• COEL Communication with the Elderly
• ICPU Introduction to Computers with Publisher
• STSU Student Success
• HREI Human Relation and Ethical Issues
• Five Practicums
• Standard First Aid
• Back Injury Prevention

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional) program, which includes a practicum, recreational therapy workers are eligible (depending on specific hiring practices) to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, extended care facilities, personal care homes, or recreational facilities. They will help people with illnesses, disabilities, and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, independence, and well-being.

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent

High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional) program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Under certain circumstances students who do not meet the formal High School requirements may be accepted upon the recommendation of a High School Principal or Guidance Counsellor. Please contact an Admissions Officer for further details.

Mature Students

Mature students are eligible for admission to the Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional) program. These students must be 19 years of age or older, complete an application form, provide a copy of most recent marks, and write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) as arranged by Academy Canada.

Specific Entrance Requirements

Students must submit a medical examination report, a T.B. test report, two written letters of reference (no personal references) and a Clear Conduct Certificate from their local Police Department. Clear Conduct Certificate: Students acquiring a Clear Conduct Certificate for admission into a program take on the responsibility of its validity. Students are solely accountable for any offenses not uncovered by the investigation being discovered and precluding the student from subsequent work terms or employment. Please note: Academy Canada reserves the right to deny admission into this program based on an unpardoned criminal record that would bear relevance to the field-term requirements of the program. In addition, employers will be given a copy of the student’s Clear Conduct Certificate on file prior to accepting students into the field-term situation.

For further information, please contact an Admissions Officer at 1-800-561-8000.

Program start dates are subject to sufficient enrollment.

Academy Canada reserves the right to modify any programs, courses, topics, objectives, etc.