Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation
Kitchener, Canada
Graduate Certificate
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
CAD 28,812 *
STUDY FORMAT
* for international students | CAD 8509.66 - for canadian students
Key Summary
About: The Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation prepares you to create inclusive recreation and leisure programs that improve quality of life for people with disabilities or health conditions. You’ll learn principles of therapeutic recreation, client assessment and planning, and interdisciplinary teamwork, and apply theory in classroom work and supervised practicum placements in hospitals, community centers, and long-term care and inclusion.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work in health and community settings; common roles include recreational therapist, activity coordinator, wellness specialist, community leisure programmer, and long-term care activity director. These jobs use skills in adaptive programming, client assessment, advocacy, and collaborative care.
The Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation prepares students to work in settings that help people improve their quality of life through recreation and leisure activities. The program focuses on understanding how to create inclusive, engaging programs for individuals with diverse needs, such as those with disabilities or health conditions. It covers essential areas like the principles of therapeutic recreation, assessment and planning, and working collaboratively with clients, families, and healthcare teams. The curriculum emphasizes developing practical skills and applying theory to real-world situations, ensuring students gain confidence in designing and leading activities that promote socialization, recovery, and overall well-being.
Students can expect a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. The program includes supervised practicum placements, giving students opportunities to work directly with clients in various settings like hospitals, community centers, and long-term care facilities. This real-world exposure helps in building essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and program development. The coursework also encourages critical thinking about current trends and best practices in therapeutic recreation, preparing students for diverse career paths upon graduation, such as recreational therapists, activity coordinators, or wellness specialists. Overall, it aims to equip students with the tools to make meaningful impacts in people's lives through therapeutic activities.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the list of eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
For Conestoga's latest list of PGWP-aligned programs, please visit the college website.