Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Profession)

Program Description

Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Profession) is about creating purpose and meaning in people’s lives! It’s about getting to know who a person really is so you can understand what brings true enjoyment to their life and then getting them involved in activities that mean something to them. Leisure and recreation are essential parts of a healthy life. Research has clearly shown that physical activity, stress reduction, mental stimulation and friendships are necessary to good health.

Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Profession) focuses on using recreation experiences to assist people with disabilities, chronic conditions and/or illnesses to overcome barriers that prevent them from achieving a fulfilling quality of life. 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, mental and emotional well-being. This program will give students a broad knowledge of topics such as aging and chronic illnesses, mental illness and addictions, and issues/challenges with respect to living with a disability. As a student, you will learn about the importance of leisure and how it promotes self-esteem, independence and satisfaction in a person’s life. Students will be equipped with the tools to apply the therapeutic recreation process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation to empower their clients to set goals for their leisure and recreation and get involved in their community.

The majority of courses comprising the Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Profession) program were developed and are copyrighted by Douglas College in New Westminster, BC. As a result of our license agreement with Douglas College, upon completion of their two-year program, graduates may choose to apply for transfer of up to 60 credits towards the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation degree program at Douglas College.

Please note that due to the nature of this career, employees are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. If you have any medical concerns, please contact your admissions officer to ensure you are aware of the requirements of the occupation and to determine if you are eligible for accommodations in this program.

Program Courses

• Aging Adaptation to Chronic Disease/Illness

• Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

• Applied Physical Fitness in Therapeutic Recreation

• Challenges Facing Aging

• Communication with the Elderly

• Communications Literacy

• Computer Literacy

• Financial Literacy

• Foundations of Health and Wellness

• Foundations of Leisure and Recreation

• Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I

• Human Anatomy and Physiology II

• Human Relations and Ethical Issues

• Inclusive Recreation and Leisure

• Leisure and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan

• Practical Math

• Professional Communication in Recreation and Health

• Program Design and Planning in Recreation

• Psychology: Community Integration Studies

• Recreation Leadership in Small Groups

• Soft Tissue Injury: Back Injury Prevention

• Standard First Aid

• Student Wellness, Inclusion and Cultural Literacy

• Success in Post-Secondary and Beyond

• Suicide Intervention

• Therapeutic Recreation: Assessment and Design

• Therapeutic Recreation and Mental Health

• Therapeutic Recreation Delivery in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Therapeutic Recreation for Physical and Developmental Disabilities

• Therapeutic Recreation in Diverse Settings

• TR in Practice I

• TR in Practice II

• TR in Practice III

• TR in Practice IV

• TR in Practice V

• Understanding Culture and Faith

• Verbal Intervention

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Profession) program, which includes practicums, 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. A small sample of Academy Canada’s excellent employers include:

• Shirley's Haven, Catalina
• Harbour Lodge, Carbonear
• VON
• The Agnes Pratt Home
• Assisted Living
• NL Society for the Physically Disabled
• Western Health Care Corporation
• The Hub
• Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre
• Blue Sky

Academy Canada and University of Lethbridge "Articulation Agreement"

By way of an articulation (transfer credit) agreement between Academy Canada and University of Lethbridge (ULethbridge), Therapeutic Recreation graduates are eligible to apply for admission into the third year of the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program at University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Alberta.

University of Lethbridge’s Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation will prepare graduates to become certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS). The program is the first of its kind in Alberta and one of only eight degree programs leading to therapeutic recreation certification in Canada.

To date, under the provisions established for this articulation agreement, five Therapeutic Recreation graduates have entered the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation degree program at University of Lethbridge. Two graduates have graduated with their Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation degrees, while the remaining three are currently registered and working on their degrees, through a combination of online learning and in-person learning.

Work Term Information

Work terms and/or placements are required, unpaid, formally arranged on-site training experiences completed at designated points throughout the program. These placements provide students with practical, real-world experience that supports skill development, professional confidence, and readiness for employment.

Students are expected to attend according to the host’s schedule and must report any absences to both the host supervisor and the program instructor. Missed days are added to the end of the placement, where applicable. Attendance and performance are monitored through ongoing communication, including check-ins and formal mid-placement and final evaluations. Successful completion of all approved, authorized work terms and/or placements is required for graduation.

Students are responsible for maintaining professional conduct, attending as scheduled, complying with host policies, promptly reporting absences or concerns, and completing all required documentation. The College is responsible for approving placements, providing guidance and support, monitoring progress, and determining successful completion. Work term hosts are responsible for supervision, attendance reporting, providing appropriate learning opportunities, and completing required evaluations. Students who do not meet placement requirements may be removed from their placement and may be required to complete a new placement in order to graduate.