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
• Assessment and Program Planning in Therapeutic Recreation
• Challenges Facing Aging
• Communication Skills for Recreation and Health Promotion Professionals
• Communication with the Elderly
• English: Academic Writing
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• Human Relations and Ethical Issues
• Inclusive Leisure Practice
• Introduction to Computers with Desktop Publishing
• Job Search Skills
• Leisure and Recreation Foundations
• Leisure, Recreation and Health Throughout the Lifespan
• Lifespan Human Development
• Verbal Intervention
• Physical Fitness: Theory and Application in Therapeutic Recreation
• Principles and Practice of Health
• Recreation Leadership in Small Groups
• Recreation Program Planning
• Soft Tissue Injury: Back Injury Prevention
• Standard First Aid
• Therapeutic Recreation Delivery in Newfoundland Labrador
• Therapeutic Recreation Foundations
• TR Practice I
• TR Practice II
• TR Practice III
• TR Practice IV
• TR Practice V
• Understanding Culture and Faith
• Valuing Diversity: Therapeutic Recreation and Mental Health
• Valuing Diversity: Therapeutic Recreation Physical and Developmental Disabling Conditions
• 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.