Program Overview

Therapeutic Recreation Ontario College Graduate Certificate program

Program Description

Recreation Therapy is a dynamic and unique health care profession that allows clinicians to practice with flexibility, and creativity. You learn to provide client-centered, strength-based services using the recreation therapy process that emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. You acquire the skills to complete client assessments and to plan, implement, evaluate, and document group and individual recreation therapy programs. Through a number of experiential learning opportunities, you develop leadership and programming skills. A variety of techniques are explored in order to assist individuals to participate in meaningful recreation and leisure experiences to achieve health-related goals, improve functional ability, and increase quality of life.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent, with a specialty in health or human services.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program may find employment in health or human service organizations such as:

• Acute, chronic care, and other specialized hospitals
• Provincial agencies or facilities for individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities
• Rehabilitation programs
• Children's treatment centers
• Municipal recreation departments
• Long-term care facilities/adult day programs
• Correctional programs and facilities
• Community or private agencies
• Private practice

Program Delivery

• This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Tuition and Fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships, and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-Integrated Learning

• This program includes an internship component. During your final semester, you'll take part in a supervised, structured work opportunity and apply your academic knowledge in a setting directly related to your program.

Course Information

• 12 Program Courses
• 1 Internship

Program-Specific Courses

• TREC 1002 – Assessment Processes of Recreation Therapy
• TREC 1003 – Foundations of Recreation Therapy
• TREC 1004 – Adapted Recreation for Recreation Therapy
• TREC 1005 – Recreation Therapy with Selected Populations
• TREC 1012 – Therapeutic Relationships in Recreation Therapy
• TREC 1014 – Biological Sciences in Recreation Therapy

Related Programs

• Addictions: Treatment and Prevention
• Early Childhood Education
• Communicative Disorders Assistant
• Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

Program Code

• TREC

Duration

• 1 Year

Credential

• Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Program Delivery Method(s)

• In person

Intake Information

• Start date: Fall 2025
• Campus: Orillia

Registration

• Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go!
• MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

Recommended Course Sequence

• Visit the part-time program page for more information.

Next Steps

• Apply to the part-time program
• Contact the student recruitment team for more information.