Discover how recreation can improve quality of life for everyone, including people with physical disabilities, people with developmental disabilities, older adults, and at-risk youth.
In Waterloo's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) program — one of only 3 in Ontario — you’ll learn how to plan leisure opportunities for people with varying abilities. Not to mention you can apply what you've learned to any co-op you land through the co-op stream.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to make a real difference. As a recreational therapist, the programs you design and run can help teenagers stay off drugs, empower seniors to live more independently, improve the long-term health of stroke patients, and more.
Co-op
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Recreation Therapist
- Child & Youth Worker
- Community Recreation Facilitator
- Therapeutic Recreation & Community Assistant
- Research Assistant
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION?
As a graduate, you can work with clients in settings ranging from long-term care facilities to local community agencies. You’ll also be eligible to apply for registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and for certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification in the United States.
Recent graduates
- Vocational Instructor – Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
- Child Life Specialist – Hospital for Sick Children
- Therapy Assistant – Mackenzie Innovation Institute
- Recreation Therapist – West Park Healthcare Centre
- Counsellor – Alzheimer Society of Peel
- Outreach Worker – St. Matthew’s House
- Communications Officer – Carey Outreach Ministries
Further education
While the full range of further education depends on your individual interests, graduates commonly pursue a master's, PhD, or other professional health-care program in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, and public health.
