Recreation Therapy
Overview
Be a part of a field dedicated to optimizing health and improving quality of life through recreation and leisure.
This two-year program will prepare students for a profession that provides services and advocacy for individuals with a wide range of cognitive, physical, social, and emotional limitations. During the program, students will learn theoretical foundations and practical skills that will allow them to competently work through the therapeutic recreation process.
The practice of Recreation Therapy is based on the belief that play, recreation, and leisure are essential to achieving an individual's optimal health and sense of well-being which leads to improved quality of life. Through the development of meaningful goals and objectives, individuals working in the field of Recreation Therapy will use recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve health and restore wellness.
Through field placements and community volunteer experiences, students receive valuable hands-on learning. Through these opportunities, students further develop their skills in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. They will also have an opportunity to receive specialized training [link to After Graduation] as part of the course curriculum.
Reasons to Choose Lambton College's Program
Professional Association Memberships
Students will receive a Therapeutic Recreation Ontario student membership.
Additional Training
Additional training that is highly sought after by employers.
Learn from the best
Faculty are current in the field, ensuring that they provide relevant experiences.
Build relationships with the Community
Community partnerships that allow students to receive practical, hands-on experiences.
Exposure to the profession in real-time
Field placements within a Recreation Therapy setting.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,100.94
- Year 2 $4,018.94
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
-
Name Tag$15.00
-
Gentle Persuasion Training$40.00
-
Passport to Placement Fee$40.00
-
CPR/First Aid$145.00
-
Mental Health First Aid$40.00
Costs Associated with Placement
Students are responsible for all costs associated with traveling to and from placement. There may also be an additional cost for Police Records Check which may be required in order to be eligible for placement.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Ethics & Values for the Recreation Therapist
This course is an introduction to the study of philosophy and ethics, and their application to the profession of recreation therapy. Students will evaluate a variety of ethical theories and concepts, as well as the competing ways in which these can be employed to resolve moral issues, in order to develop an ethical foundation for professional practice. Students will learn about ethical theories, including deontology and consequentialism, virtue theory, rights theory and ethical relativism. Finally, the application of such theories to ethical problems specific to professional practice. Issues such as client autonomy, rights and obligations, informed consent, notions of well-being, sexuality, conflict of values, truthfulness and fairness will be examined. Students will have the opportunity to develop decision making, judgment, and personal value positions that form the basis for the examination of professional conduct and personal accountability.
Introduction to Health Care
In our increasingly complex world there is a growing awareness that health care delivery is in a crisis situation. In order to make the best decisions, health care professionals must be aware of how our health care system works, where it has come from, the future of health care, and where health professionals fit within the bigger picture. This course is designed to introduce the student to these concepts by examining the interrelationships between the individual, community and international health care. Also covered in this course is, the role stress plays in health, alternative and complementary health care, as well as personal and professional ethics, attitudes, and values.
Psychology I
This course focuses on how we behave. It is an attempt to understand ourselves and others. The primary goal of this course is to see psychology as an objective way of studying human experience.
Critical Thinking & Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Students explore different perspectives, and through synthesis, analysis, and response, strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. One of the pillars of Lambton College is a commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenization of the curriculum; where appropriate, readings in this course will reflect this commitment. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
Anatomy & Physiology
This course is designed to provide pertinent information about the human body and how it functions. The study is concentrated on medical terminology, cells, tissues, organs, and systems and how the systems work together for human survival.
General Education Elective (Select 2)
Therapeutic Recreation Support Networks & Community Resources
This course will define formal and informal support networks essential to client adjustment and successful social recreation participation. Students will become familiar with community resources and learn how Therapeutic Recreation professionals facilitate education and guided transition to increase access.
Therapeutic Recreation Practice & Professional Portfolio
This course will provide students with a sound understanding of professional and ethical considerations related to therapeutic recreation practice in the province of Ontario. Students will examine current trends and critical issues in the field of therapeutic recreation including the role of various professional organizations, professional standards and the process of professionalization. Students will acquire the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue internship opportunities in the field of therapeutic recreation, and will begin the process of developing a professional portfolio of learning and experiences which demonstrates essential abilities of a competent practitioner. Students will examine their role in advancing the profession and identify goals and objectives for their ongoing professional development.
Communications for Health
This course, designed for students in the health field, further develops students' communication proficiency. Students create workplace documents and research reports and share their findings through oral presentations. Advocacy and peer education will drive the research and documentation process. Current health issues and research will serve as the impetus for creation of informed research reports and presentations.
Field Placement Seminar I (1 day/wk, 14 wks)
This course runs parallel to Field Placement I and is intended to be a forum for students to discuss recurring issues related to the Field Placement experience. Through lectures, class discussions and guest speakers, students will have the opportunity to explore tools and strategies that will allow them to seek out opportunities and address challenges within the Field Placement setting. Through critical reflection, students will identify their personal strengths and areas for growth in preparation for Field Placement II. Guidance and direction will be provided as students prepare for their second field placement.
Field Placement I (1 day/wk, 14 wks)
The purpose of the placement is to provide students with the opportunity to begin to understand the values, skills and knowledge required for practice in recreation therapy. The field placement component of the TREC program gives students the opportunity to observe and assist professionals currently working in the field of recreation therapy, while putting to use the theory and skills learned in the classroom. It is designed to provide learning experiences to enable the student to develop professional competence, sound work habits, effective interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
Human Relations
This course provides a forum for enhancing students' abilities and understanding of the value to human social interaction through communication and connection. This course places a strong emphasis on applied learning in the context of communicating with others, recognizing that personal development evolves from social interaction. Course topics include the study of emotion-focused brain functionality, self-understanding and awareness, understanding the importance of perception skills in relationships, developing strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, recognizing prosocial leadership skills, understanding and establishing healthy team dynamics, and addressing conflicts in relationships.
General Education Elective
Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation
This course provides an in-depth study of the scope of therapeutic recreation. Students study the historical and philosophical foundations of the professions. The role of therapeutic recreation professionals in the spectrum of health care and human service settings serving clients with a variety of disabilities is explored. A review of the various definitions used by each of the professional TR organizations, a variety of service models of practice as well as the Therapeutic Recreation process is introduced. Students develop an appreciation of the needs of people with different abilities and the barriers to recreation that they face. There is also a focus on approaches to integration within the community and the issues related to this profession. Students are introduced to ethics in the profession of Therapeutic Recreation.
Leisure & Aging
Students will develop their knowledge of various issues related to aging including the aging process, theories on aging, ageism, implications of an aging Canadian society, and the role of recreational and leisure activity in the successful aging process. Included in this will be an exploration of various physical and cognitive ailments and disease processes commonly found in the elderly. With this knowledge, students will develop a variety of recreational and leisure programs that focus on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial elements.
Introduction to Communty Mental Health
Effective practitioners begin their work with an understanding of how individuals think, feel, and behave. Included in this knowledge must be the contextual factors that impact wellness, including the following: personal challenges, relationships, environmental stressors, and diversity needs. The goal of this course is to provide future front-line workers with practical examples of how a mental health concern might develop and how they might respond. Examination of the biological and sociocultural determinants of addictions and mental illness, treatment options, and community resources that can be leveraged to enhance wellbeing are the key components of this course. Students will not only apply theory and diagnostic criteria to a presenting problem, but they will also become responsive to the grey areas that are unique to a person's situation.
Adapted Recreation & Program Planning in Therapeutic Recreation
The focus of this course will be on understanding the importance of developing inclusive recreation programs and assisting clients to access activities through adaptive strategies and resources. Students will learn how to conduct activity and task analyses using a systematic approach and will source equipment and opportunities for individuals with a diverse array of interests and needs. Students will have the opportunity to facilitate, participate in, and evaluate a diverse range of adapted activities.
Diverse Abilities in Therapeutic Recreation
This course examines a diverse range of conditions that may result in limitations with varying degrees of severity that have the potential to impact many different areas of life. There will be a focus on the abilities, limitations and characteristics of conditions and their relationship to the five domains of therapeutic recreation and quality of life. Person First language will be introduced to promote a positive attitude toward people with disabilities which will foster an individual, not a categorical, approach to understanding and working with people with disabilities. Legislation supporting persons living with diverse abilities will also be discussed.
Field Placement II
The purpose of this placement is to provide students the opportunity to apply their recreation therapy knowledge and demonstrate professional skills in practice. By developing therapeutic relationships and applying relevant theory to assessments, and program plans, students will be able to demonstrate a range of recreation therapy interventions which promote the health and wellness of the individuals they are working with.
Leisure Education & Counselling in Therapeutic Recreation
This course will explore the role of leisure education in assisting individuals and groups in leading a fulfilling leisure lifestyle. This course will also introduce students to counselling tools, techniques and strategies common to leisure education. Students will gain an understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of lifespan development while studying barriers that impact leisure participation. Students will be given the opportunity to apply this theory by developing leisure awareness activities and interventions for individuals and groups in a variety of settings with a focus on therapeutic recreation.
Therapeutic Recreation Assessment
This course focuses on the role of assessment in the design, delivery and evaluation of therapeutic recreation services for diverse populations. Students will have the opportunity to examine, evaluate and apply a variety of therapeutic recreation assessment tools and techniques. This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to write therapeutic goals and objectives and to develop individual and group programming based on research. This course will also provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate empathic interpersonal communication skills and to recognize professional and ethical considerations associated with the administration and documentation of assessments.
Therapeutic Recreation Leadership
This course will provide the student with an in-depth introduction to recreation leadership theory and techniques. Students will examine the diverse leadership roles and responsibilities of therapeutic recreation professionals as group leaders, supervisors and administrators. This course will also emphasize the understanding of group dynamics, motivation, and managing conflict. This highly interactive course will enable students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective leaders in diverse settings.
Research in Therapeutic Recreation
This course will introduce the student to the research process with a focus on types of research, data collection, and analysis. Needs and issues surrounding research in the field of therapeutic recreation will be explored and consideration will be given to the reasoning underlying the research process. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of a self-reflective practice and the importance of conducting basic research in their professional careers.
Current Concepts in Health & Wellness
This course deals with health promotion strategies needed to make healthy, rational, lifestyle choices, to maintain or improve health and how to approach personal change. Students require an understanding of the bio - psycho -social processes to keep well and knowledge of the interventions that will encourage wellness, promote activity, energy and life, even empowerment. Students will also explore the philosophy of holistic health.
Field Placement III
This field placement is designed to consolidate all of the academic learning presented during the course of the program. Students will demonstrate competence in all of the Standards of Practice associated with the field of recreation therapy. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and philosophy with professional practice. During placement, students will demonstrate knowledge of the therapeutic recreation process. This will include performing an activity analysis and adaptation as required. Students will establish effective working relationships with other disciplines as they work within agencies which offer recreation therapy services.
Contact
Program Information
1-844-LAMBTON
School of Fire Science, Health & Community Services
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Employment may be found in the areas of pediatrics, mental health, hospitals, community settings, long-term care, rehabilitation, and corrections.
Upon graduation, students will be eligible to apply for registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario - Diploma designation.
Pathways
Transfer to Programs within Ontario
We’ve worked with Ontario colleges to provide the following transfer opportunities:
- Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
Want to see more Ontario transfers? Visit ONTransfer.ca.
Accreditations & Certifications
Therapeutic Recreation Ontario
Currently, the registration designation of R/TRO (professionals with a degree) or R/TRO DIP (professionals with a diploma) is a voluntary credential intended to recognize a level of excellence.
It is anticipated that the Government of Ontario will move toward regulation of this profession, but that is not expected for a number of years.
When regulation does occur, the R/TRO DIP designation may represent the minimum criteria necessary. At present, even though it is not provincially mandated, some employers do require R/TRO designation for hiring.
Fees Associated with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario
- Therapeutic Recreation Membership (optional)
- Professional Membership - $180 per year
- Associate Membership - $150 per year
- Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Registration - R/TRO DIP
- Initial Registration Fee - $165
Become a Member
Placement
Vaccinations & Police Record Checks
Students considering this program should be aware that there may be field and clinical placement requirements. Many placements require students have proof of certain vaccinations and police record checks.
Once you’ve applied, you can log in to mylambton.ca and view the program-specific Field & Clinical Placement Requirements. If you need information about these requirement before applying, please contact placementinfo@lambtoncollege.ca.
Placement Dates
- Term 2 (Winter)
- 1 day per week for 14 weeks
- Term 3 (Fall)
- Block placements during weeks 13, 14, 15
40 hours per week - Term 4 (Winter)
- Block placements during weeks 13, 14, 15
40 hours per week
More Information
Registration Designation
According to Therapeutic Recreation Ontario, the registration designation (R/TRO & R/TRO Dip) is currently a voluntary credential intended to recognize a level of excellence. It is anticipated that the Government of Ontario will move toward regulation of the profession, but this is not expected to happen for a number of years.
When regulation does occur, the R/TRO Dip designation may represent the minimum criteria necessary. Currently, even though it is not provincially mandated, some employers do require R/TRO designation for hiring.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.