Therapeutic Recreation

What to expect from the program

While completing the program, you will demonstrate clinical skills to work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. You will also develop leadership and clinical reasoning skills. This program is flexible in its delivery method and can be completed in person, online, or a blend of both. Full-time and part-time study options are available.   

Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:

• enjoy working with people of all ages and varying abilities
• are physically and emotionally able to manage workplace demands
• have access to a computer and basic computer skills

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

You’ll graduate this program with 480 hours of work experience from two practicums.

Additional information

This program allows students to meet the requirements for supporting membership status with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). ATRA requires new applicants for professional membership to have a degree in therapeutic recreation.

This program prepares you to continue your education and pursue a degree in Therapeutic Recreation to becoming a professional member with ATRA and work as a Recreation Therapist. This program has two pathways for continuing to a TR degree program:

• University of Lethbridge: Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (BTR)

• Douglas College: Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (BTR)

Therapeutic recreation professionals who wish to meet ATRA standards are welcome to take individual courses through Open Studies. You are advised to first email ATRA@alberta-tr.org to determine specific course needs, and then apply for Open Studies. After applying, you can contact the program chair at 780.644.6300 to request enrolment in specific courses.

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the program, you can explore career opportunities to work in the public or private heathcare systems as a recreation therapy assistant (RTA).
For more information on related careers see:

• ALIS OCCinfo occupational profiles
• ALIS WAGEinfo salary info

Visit the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association for more information on this career.

What to expect as a therapeutic recreation professional

Applicants should review the job requirements listed below and assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the therapeutic recreation occupation.

Working in therapeutic recreation, you must be able to:

• work shifts and weekends
• be on your feet for extended periods of time
• use your knees, back, and arms to move clients who have minimal body strength
• be comfortable taking a leadership role in groups of all sizes
• work with clients of all ages, cultures, and genders
• function effectively independently, on a team, and in stressful situations
• demonstrate adaptability and critical thinking skills