This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a career in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Specialists work with individuals who, due to illness, disability or other life circumstances require assistance to meet their individual goals and dreams. In this program, you develop a strong foundation of skills and knowledge to facilitate purposeful, quality leisure experiences. You use the tools of recreation and leisure to provide client centred, strengths-based therapeutic recreation services, which lead to happiness, well-being and quality of life.

Develop advanced knowledge of how to complete participant assessments, create individualized and group programs and document participant outcomes. Apply a variety of facilitative techniques to promote inclusive and meaningful recreation and leisure experiences, and advocate for participants across a variety of service settings to maximize environmental resources that are essential for well-being. Through collaboration, teamwork, research and professional involvement, you learn to adapt, implement and evaluate recreation activities to meet the needs of people in a wide range of settings. Develop your professional identity and goals to prepare you for placement and employment, which may include private practice. Your placement consolidates the skills and learning that you have attained throughout your coursework.

Graduates may work with people of all abilities that may include physical or developmental disabilities, seniors, children with diverse learning needs, youth at risk, as well as individuals with addictions, mental illness or head injuries. Specifically, you may find work in recreation, health or social service organizations such as:

long term care facilities

adult day programs

hospitals and health care agencies

rehabilitation centres

senior residential facilities

centres for independent living

mental health agencies

addiction services

municipal community-based programs

group homes

outreach community health and wellness agencies

private family care, and forensic and youth services

SUCCESS FACTORS:

This program is well-suited for students who:

Are open minded, compassionate and caring.

Enjoy learning about, and working with people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional challenges.

Excel working as part of inter professional teams and independently.

Are enthusiastic, creative and innovative.

Have strong problem solving and brainstorming skills.

Possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills.