Therapeutic Recreation

Program Overview

If you are looking for an opportunity to combine your enthusiasm and positive outlook with a quality formal education, then the Therapeutic Recreation program could be for you. The program covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes you will need to work with clients who require recreation therapy.

Both a certificate and diploma are available. Year 1, which leads to a certificate, is available through on-campus instruction, hybrid delivery, or distance education. Year 2, which leads to a diploma, is available only through hybrid delivery or distance education at this time. Courses may be available in-class depending on enrolment.

Note: Hybrid delivery may include a combination of workshops, seminars, self-study, and/or tutorials.

The certificate year focuses on the knowledge and skills required to plan, implement, and evaluate individual or group therapeutic recreation and social activities. The diploma year focuses on the concepts, theory, and practical experiences related to leadership and critical thinking in order to prepare graduates to work more independently.

Before applying to this program, you are strongly advised to meet with the coordinator of Allied Health Careers and complete a career investigation report. During this interview, you will learn about the program and the career opportunities available to you in the field of therapeutic recreation. The coordinator will assist you to determine whether the program is a proper fit for you and your career goals. Please contact Allied Health Careers at 780.644.6395 for more information.

Distance Delivery

See distance learning study options for further information. Students in the Therapeutic Recreation distance program will be required to attend an on-campus workshop for assessment of practical skills before starting their practicum experience. Tutorial support is also available.

Career Potential

Upon graduation, you will be qualified to work in continuing care, assisted living, group homes, lodges, and day program settings.

Diploma program students are eligible for student membership in the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). Graduates from this diploma program are eligible for professional membership in ATRA.

For information on related occupational profiles (keyword recreation), see www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.

Transferability

The following Therapeutic Recreation diploma courses have university transfer credit: COMM 1011, COMM 2011, ENGL 2550, HEED 1000

Diploma graduates are eligible for block transfer credit into the Bachelor of Professional Arts program with a major in Human Services, the Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) program with a major in Human Science, and the Bachelor of Health Administration program at Athabasca University. The amount of transferable credit is specific to each program. NorQuest is currently negotiating block transfer into the Bachelor of Science General and Bachelor of Science (Post-Diploma) in Human Services programs at Athabasca University.

Diploma graduates are eligible to enter into the Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management degree program at NAIT.

NorQuest is currently negotiating block transfer into the Bachelor of Health Science program and the Bachelor of General Studies program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia and the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation program at the University of Calgary. The amount of transferable credit is specific to each program.

Additional credit transfer agreements with various institutions are currently in negotiation.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age
• Grade 12 diploma*
• 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 or equivalent
• 50% in Biology 30 or equivalent
• 20 volunteer hours in the therapeutic recreation field or current employment in the therapeutic recreation field is recommended. • Health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Clear criminal record check; must include a vulnerable sector check (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with practicum requirements.)**
• CPR - Basic Life Support for Health-Care Providers certificate (Level C) required before practicum experiences begin

Completion of the Therapeutic Recreation certificate program and/or permission from the program coordinator is required to enter the diploma program.

English Language Proficiency

If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency (ELP) prior to admission. Acceptable evidence of ELP may be one of the following:

1. CLBA, with an average score of 8 and no skill score
   below 7
2. TOEFL Internet-based test score 84, with no section score below 21
3. Academic IELTS 6.0, with no band scores below 6.0
4. CAEL 60, with no subtest below 60

Note: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement does NOT exempt the applicant from meeting the English academic course work required for admission to this program.

Provisional Admission

An applicant may be granted provisional admission to this program. A student who has provisional admission must satisfy certain conditions within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer of admission. Conditions will be stipulated in the admission letter. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance.

Progression

Students must attain a pass grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Credentials

Certificate: After successfully completing first-year program requirements, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest College Therapeutic Recreation certificate.

Diploma: After successfully completing second-year program requirements, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest College Therapeutic Recreation diploma.

Honours Criteria

• Overall grade point average (GPA) is greater than or equal to 3.7.
• The student has not failed or repeated any courses.
  
  

Tuition and Fees

2010–11 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

2010-11 Program and Supplies Fee & Textbook Rental Fee (pdf)

Program Outline (2010/11)

Although Year 2 is offered primarily through distance, other delivery methods may be offered.

Year 1

Year 2

Last updated: April 29, 2008