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 in-class instruction, hybrid*, or distance education. Year 2, which leads to a diploma, is available only through hybrid* or distance education. Courses may also be available in-class depending on enrolment.

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.

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

Distance Delivery

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.

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

Under the University of Calgary’s existing credit transfer policy, students with a NorQuest diploma may be awarded one year of credit toward a degree program. Additional credit transfer agreements with various institutions are currently in negotiation.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age
• Grade 12 diploma with 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 or equivalency (Grade of C- in NorQuest’s ENGL 2550)
• 20 volunteer hours in the therapeutic recreation field or currently employed in the therapeutic recreation field (verification required)
• Clear criminal record check; must include vulnerable sector check. (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with practicum requirements.)
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
• CPR - Basic Life Support for Health-Care Providers certificate (Level C) required before practicum experiences begin
• Mature students (age 19+) must meet all requirements except for the Grade 12 diploma.

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 (with no skill score below 7)
2. TOEFL Internet-based test score 84 (no section score below 21)
3. Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band scores below 6.0)
4. CAEL 60 (no subtest below 60)

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) of 3.7
• The student has not failed or repeated any courses.
• The student has not had a learning improvement plan.
  
  

Tuition and Fees

2009/2010 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

Funding Your Education

Students in this program may be eligible for Alberta government funding including costs for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Program Outline (2009/10)

Courses may be adjusted within the terms specified. A final schedule will be provided to learners during registration.

Year 1

Year 2

Last updated: April 29, 2008