Therapeutic Recreation

Are you interested in helping to improve the quality of life for people with physical, mental, social or emotional limitations? Therapeutic Recreation recognizes the value of leisure, recreation and play as vital for quality of life. You will learn how to plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs aimed at assisting the individual to achieve independence, optimal health and a high quality of life.The University of Regina's Therapeutic Recreation program is the only one of its kind between British Columbia and Nova Scotia that guarantees academic path eligibility for certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (www.nctrc.org).

Field of study: Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy

The Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program at the University of Regina is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in helping individuals improve their health, well-being, and quality of life through recreational activities and interventions. The curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of therapeutic recreation, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Students will explore topics such as human development, assessment and planning, activity analysis, and various therapeutic techniques used to support populations with diverse needs, including those with physical, mental, emotional, and social challenges.

Throughout the program, students will gain hands-on experience through fieldwork placements in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, and long-term care facilities. These practical components are designed to develop skills in client assessment, program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The program also emphasizes a strong foundation in ethics, professionalism, and cultural competence, ensuring graduates are prepared to work effectively with diverse populations.

In addition to core courses in recreation therapy, students will have the opportunity to explore related disciplines such as psychology, health sciences, and social services, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to client care. The program also includes courses on leadership, program development, and research methods, equipping students with the skills necessary to contribute to ongoing improvements in therapeutic recreation practices and policies.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program are well-equipped to pursue certification with professional organizations and are prepared for employment in various settings that support health and healing through recreation. They will be capable of developing, implementing, and evaluating recreational therapy programs that promote independence, social participation, and overall well-being for individuals across the lifespan. The University of Regina’s program is committed to fostering a compassionate and inclusive approach to therapeutic recreation, encouraging students to become dedicated professionals who make a meaningful difference in their communities.

The Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program at the University of Regina requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers in recreation therapy and related health and community settings. Admission into the program typically necessitates the completion of the University of Regina’s general undergraduate entrance requirements, including a high school diploma with specific course prerequisites such as biology and social sciences. Applicants may also need to meet minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) thresholds and demonstrate relevant experience or interest in health, recreation, or community service fields.

The program curriculum encompasses a range of core courses, including human anatomy and physiology, psychology, kinesiology, and introduction to therapeutic recreation concepts. Students are required to complete foundational courses in health and wellness, as well as specialized coursework in recreation management, program planning, and assessment strategies for individuals with diverse needs. Ethical considerations, legal responsibilities, and contemporary issues in therapeutic recreation are integrated throughout the program to ensure students are well-versed in professional standards and practices.

Practical experience is a vital component of the program, with students participating in practicum placements in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, and long-term care facilities. These placements are arranged through the university’s partnerships with community organizations and health institutions, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments under supervision. The program also emphasizes skills development in communication, team collaboration, and culturally competent practice to prepare graduates for effective client interactions.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation, students must complete a specified number of credit hours, including both coursework and practicum hours, as outlined in the university’s academic regulations. Additionally, students are often required to maintain a minimum GPA to progress through the program and upon completion, obtain a professional designation that qualifies them for employment as therapeutic recreation specialists. The program may also offer opportunities for honours research, specialization in areas like pediatric or geriatric recreation, and pathways to graduate studies in related health disciplines.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Regina offers various funding options for students enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation undergraduate program. Tuition fees for domestic students are established annually and vary depending on the number of courses taken per semester. International students are required to pay higher tuition fees, which are also updated each academic year. Scholarships and bursaries are available through the university, including entrance scholarships for high-achieving students and need-based bursaries aimed at supporting those with financial difficulties. Additionally, students can apply for merit-based awards specific to the College of Kinesiology and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, which encompasses the Therapeutic Recreation program. Work-study opportunities are accessible within the university, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning income. The Saskatchewan government offers student financial assistance programs, such as student loans and grants, which can be supplemented with Canada Student Loans and Grants for eligible students. The university also encourages students to explore external funding sources, including community organizations, industry sponsors, and health sector grants, which may provide financial support for educational and research activities. Internship placements associated with the program may sometimes include stipends or financial stipends offered by partner organizations. The university maintains an online financial aid portal where students can find detailed information, application procedures, and deadlines for various funding programs. Overall, the university strives to make education accessible through diverse financing options, ensuring that students enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation program can focus on their academic and practical training without undue financial burden.

The Bachelor of Recreation (Therapeutic Recreation) at the University of Regina is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in therapeutic recreation and leisure services. This program emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills necessary for working with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, or chronic health conditions, to enhance their quality of life through recreational activities. The curriculum typically integrates coursework in psychology, health sciences, recreational therapy techniques, and community development, providing a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of therapeutic recreation.

Students in this program have opportunities for hands-on learning through fieldwork placements, internships, and community projects, which are essential for gaining real-world experience and applying classroom knowledge in practical settings. These placements often occur in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, community recreation organizations, and long-term care facilities, allowing students to develop competencies in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation programs.

The program aims to foster skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural competence, preparing graduates to work collaboratively with clients, families, healthcare teams, and community partners. Graduates of the Bachelor of Recreation (Therapeutic Recreation) program are typically eligible to become certified therapeutic recreation specialists upon meeting additional licensing or certification requirements set by professional bodies, such as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

Admission requirements generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, with possible prerequisites in sciences or related subjects. The program’s structure combines coursework, practical experiences, and sometimes research projects, culminating in a degree that qualifies graduates for employment in diverse settings. Career opportunities for graduates include positions in hospitals, mental health agencies, community centers, rehabilitation hospitals, and private practice, focusing on improving the well-being and functional independence of their clients through recreation.

Overall, the Therapeutic Recreation program at the University of Regina offers a comprehensive educational pathway for those passionate about making a positive difference in peoples’ lives through therapeutic recreation and community participation.