Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes:
CIP Code: 51.2309 (PGWP eligible)
Empower Lives Through Therapeutic Recreation
Recreation therapy is more than just fun—it's a powerful tool for healing, growth, and connection. As a recreation therapist, you'll help individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or social limitations find joy, purpose, and improved well-being through leisure activities.
Confederation College's Recreation Therapy program equips you with the skills to assess individual needs and interests, plan and implement engaging leisure services, evaluate program effectiveness, and encourage independent and fulfilling leisure lifestyles.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers therapeutic recreation principles, developmental psychology, diverse populations, communications for community services, administrative practices, physical activity leadership, community integration, as well as up and coming trends in the field.
Top Highlights
- Hands-On Experience: 450 hours of field placement
- Professional Memberships: Free student memberships with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) and Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO)
- Flexible Options: Accelerated program available for those with a designated diploma or degree
- Specialized Certification: Opportunity to receive Dementiability Methods certification
- Career-Ready Skills: Prepare for diverse roles in healthcare, community services, and more
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Assess the individual strengths, needs, challenges and interests of people experiencing barriers to healthy leisure to assist them in meeting their leisure goals.
- Collect, record and report comprehensive client information accurately, in verbal, written and electronic formats in accordance with current ministry guidelines and professional standards.
- Develop, implement and evaluate individual and group recreation therapy programs which respond to identified needs, align with assessments results, and adhere to current best practices.
- Design leisure education programs and services for clients, families and other health care professionals to promote the personal, social, economic and health related benefits of recreation therapy services.
- Research and analyse recreation therapy theories and practices to enhance professional efficacy and contribute to the development of the profession.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with clients, inter-professional teams and community service providers in the development and delivery of safe and effective recreation therapy services.
- Assist in the development of administrative, marketing, financial and human resource strategies that enhance the delivery of recreation therapy services.
- Implement strategies and plans for ongoing personal and professional growth and development within the current and future therapeutic recreation environment.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Succeed in the Recreation Therapy program if you are:
- Compassionate: Genuinely care about improving others' quality of life
- Creative: Able to design engaging and therapeutic activities for diverse needs
- Patient: Comfortable working with individuals who may have various limitations
- Communicative: Skilled at explaining and motivating in various settings
- Adaptable: Ready to tailor approaches for different individuals and situations
Graduates of the Recreation Therapy program are prepared for diverse and rewarding careers in various settings. Some potential roles include:
- Recreation Therapist in Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
- Therapeutic Recreationist in Long-Term Care Facilities
- Community Program Coordinator for Non-Profit and Public Organizations
- Therapeutic Recreations in Mental Health Services
- Education Assistant or Student Support Person in School Systems
- Lifestyle and Program Manager for Retirement Facilities
- Recreation Officer in Correctional Facilities
- Early Childhood Education in Day Care Settings
- Rehabilitation Facilitator in Rehabilitation Centres
- Support Worker in Supportive Housing
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