Recreation Therapy Aide

About

Recreation therapy aides support the efforts of recreation therapists in enhancing the quality of life for clients. You will work to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients in a variety of settings, including hospitals and assisted living homes, by implementing activities such as games, music, dance, and crafts.

This certificate is designed for those with work experience or education in health or human services looking to increase their employment opportunities.

This five-month full-time program starts with four months of online study which includes self-directed study and scheduled weekly evening classes along with two longer Saturday sessions. In the fifth month, you will complete four weeks of practicum (approximately 37.5 hours per week for a total of 150 hours) at a placement location arranged by Bow Valley College.

Practicum Placement

Depending on availability, students may be able to complete their practicum placement in their own town. However, you may be required to travel to other locations in order to complete your practicum placement. Every effort is made to accommodate learners in practicum placements within the time frame of the program. In rare instances, there may be a delay in program completion until a practicum placement can be arranged.

Work Integrated Learning

You will be required to travel to various locations to complete your work integrated learning placements. It is each student's responsibility to arrange travel to their clinical and/or practicum sites; placements may be outside the City of Calgary as well as in any area of Calgary. Every effort is made to schedule students for Work Integrated Learning placements within the time frame of the program. In rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a Work Integrated Learning placement can be arranged.

Work Integrated Learning placements may include day shifts, evening shifts, night shifts, and/or weekend shifts. Shifts are determined by the placement sites and not the College.

Admission Requirements

• Credit in either English 10-1 or 10-2 or equivalent
• Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing
• Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test
• Previous education and/or work experience in health or human services or successful completion of HMSV9102 Personal Support Skills for Caregivers

Pre-Practicum Requirements

• A current Police Information Check (PIC), with Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS), must be submitted prior to practicum placement. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent practicum placement and, subsequently, successful completion of the program
• Immunization requirements must be met prior to participating in practicum placements. Up-to-date immunizations are valid for the duration of the program
• Details will be provided at the start of the program

Additional Recommendation

• Basic Life Support CPR course is recommended and often required by employers

English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements

Academic Upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs

Available Intakes

• September 2025: Domestic (Open), International (Not Offered)
• January 2026: Domestic (Not Offered), International (Not Offered)

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Students

Term	Tuition Fees	Additional Fees	Total Fees
Term 1	$1,447	$605	$2,052
Term 2	$339	$605	$944

International Students

Term	Tuition Fees	Additional Fees	Total Fees
Term 1	$3,900	$605	$4,505
Term 2	$975	$605	$1,580

*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only. Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.

Courses

Term 1

Code	Course	Credit
COMM1101	Interpersonal Relationships And Communication Skills	3
RTAD1106	Introduction to the Recreation Therapy Aide	3
RTAD1107	The Lifecycle and Chronic Conditions	3
RTAD1203	Therapeutic Recreation Planning and Interventions	3

Term 2

Code	Course	Credit
RTAD1999	Recreation Therapy Aide Practicum	3

Bow Valley College

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Overview:

Bow Valley College is a public post-secondary institution located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs and services to students, including diploma programs, certificates, apprenticeships, and continuing education courses. The college is known for its commitment to applied learning and its focus on preparing students for successful careers.

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Services Offered:

Bow Valley College provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:

Academic Services:

Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and other resources to help students succeed in their studies.

Financial Services:

Information and assistance with student loans, bursaries, and scholarships.

New Student Orientation:

Programs and events to help new students transition to college life.

Office of the Registrar:

Services related to registration, transcripts, and graduation.

Learner Success Services:

Support for students with disabilities, mental health services, and other personal and academic support.

Student Association:

A student-run organization that provides social and advocacy services.

RGO Library and Learning Commons:

Access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, computers, and study spaces.

Intercultural Centre:

Programs and services to support international students and students from diverse backgrounds.

Iniikokaan Centre:

Services and resources for Indigenous students.

Bookstore:

Textbooks, supplies, and other merchandise.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Bow Valley College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for student engagement, social activities, and community involvement. Students can participate in clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities. The college also has a strong focus on student support and provides a variety of resources to help students succeed.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Job-Ready Programs:

Bow Valley College's programs are designed to prepare students for in-demand careers.

Applied Learning:

The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.

Experienced Faculty:

Bow Valley College has a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to student success.

Supportive Environment:

The college provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Regional Campuses:

Students can access programs and services at regional campuses in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks.

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Academic Programs:

Bow Valley College offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields, including:

Entertainment Arts

Business

Technology

Community Studies

Health and Wellness

Careers in Immigrant Advancement

Continuing Education

Academic Upgrading

English Language Learning

Open Studies

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Other:

Bow Valley College is recognized as one of the top 50 Research Colleges in Canada. The college's Research and Innovation department focuses on applied research, teaching excellence, curriculum design, and workforce development.