Choose a start date

Therapeutic Recreation

Apply now »
Therapeutic Recreation

The Therapeutic Recreation diploma prepares you with the skills and knowledge to deliver client-centered care in a variety of Therapeutic Recreation settings. You will explore the impact of recreation and leisure on individual wellness and how to enhance your clients’ quality of life through leisure activities.

McKenzie Kuzio - Therapeutic Recreation

Amazement, excitement, disbelief and so many other words. I am determined to reach my goal and I hope that I can inspire and become a great leader.

What to expect from the program

While completing the program, you will demonstrate clinical skills to work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. You will also develop leadership and clinical reasoning skills. This program is flexible in its delivery method and can be completed in person, online, or a blend of both. Full-time and part-time study options are available.   

Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:

  • enjoy working with people of all ages and varying abilities
  • are physically and emotionally able to manage workplace demands
  • have access to a computer and basic computer skills

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

You’ll graduate this program with 440 hours of work experience from two practicums.


Additional information

This program allows students to meet the requirements for supporting membership status with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). ATRA needs new applicants for professional membership to have a degree in therapeutic recreation.

Therapeutic recreation professionals who wish to meet ATRA standards are welcome to take individual courses through Open Studies. You are advised to first email ATRA@alberta-tr.org to determine specific course needs, and then apply for Open Studies. After applying, you can contact the program chair at 780.644.6300 to request enrolment in specific courses.


Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the program, you can explore career opportunities to work in the public or private heathcare systems as a recreation therapy assistant (RTA).
For more information on related careers see:

Visit the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association for more information on this career.
This program also prepares you to continue your education and pursue a degree in Therapeutic Recreation to become a Recreation Therapist.

What to expect as a recreational therapist

Applicants should review the job requirements listed below and assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the therapeutic recreation occupation.

Working in therapeutic recreation, you must be able to:

  • work shifts and weekends
  • be on your feet for extended periods of time
  • use your knees, back, and arms to move clients who have minimal body strength
  • be comfortable taking a leadership role in groups of all sizes
  • work with clients of all ages, cultures, and genders
  • function effectively independently, on a team, and in stressful situations
  • demonstrate adaptability and critical thinking skills

Related programs

Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant

Assist patients to overcome injuries or impairments as a valuable member of an interdisciplinary health-care team. You will develop a strong occupational and physical therapy assistant background, and learn to...program

Upcoming event

See all events »
Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Webinar

April 24, 2024
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Online

Join a student recruiter and a program expert to learn everything you need to know about NorQuest’s Therapeutic Recreation program.

View Additional Events

Have a question about the Therapeutic Recreation program?