Therapeutic Recreation

• Certificate and diploma
• On-campus and distance education
• Fall intake for on-campus studies
• Continuous intake for distance education
• Six-week practicum experiences in Year 1 and Year 2

Program Overview

If you are looking for an opportunity to combine your interpersonal and organizational skills, 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 or distance education. Year 2, which leads to a diploma, is available only through distance education at this time

The certificate year focuses on the knowledge and skills 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.

Distance Delivery

See page 38 for further information on distance learning study options. 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 for theory courses.

Career Potential

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

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

Transferability

Under the University of Calgary’s existing credit transfer policy, students with a 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 equivalencies (grade of 1.7 in NorQuest’s ENGL-2550)
• 20 volunteer hours or currently employed in the therapeutic recreation field (verification required)

  For therapeutic recreation volunteer opportunities, contact:
  Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital: 780.735.7986
  Good Samaritan Society: 780.431.3600
  Edmonton General Hospital: 780.482.8270
  Capital Care: 780.496.3330

• Clear criminal record check (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with work placement requirements.)
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
• CPR–BLS Level C for Health Care Providers required before practicum experiences begin
• Mature students (age 19+) must meet all requirements except for the Grade 12 diploma.

English Language Proficiency

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

• CLBA with an average score of 8
  (with no skill score below 7)
• TOEFL Internet-based Test score 84
  (no section score below 21)
• IELTS 6.0 (no band scores below 6.0)
• CAEL 60 (no subtest below 60)

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission may be assigned to an applicant who has been offered admission to a program. The offer of admission is provisional, based on completion of specified conditions that must be satisfied within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer. 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. Conditions will be stipulated in an admission letter.

Progression

Students must attain a passing 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

• Program GPA (grade point average) is greater than or equal to 4.0 (92% or higher).
• Student has not written a supplemental exam.
• Student has not failed or repeated any courses.
• Student has not had a learning contract.
  
  

Tuition and Fees

Click here for 2008/2009 Tuition and Fees

Funding Your Education

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

Program Outline (2008/09)

Year 1 - (40 weeks)

Year 2 -(Offered through Distance Delivery only)

Last updated: April 15, 2010