TREC Therapeutic Recreation
Paid to play
Is it true that we lose our sense of play as we become adults? Not necessarily. Students in our post-graduate Therapeutic Recreation program take play, recreation and leisure very seriously. The program is based on a firm belief that meaningful leisure and recreation can help people with disabilities or special needs live a fuller life. If you'd like to join in, this may be the program for you. Because this is a post-graduate program, you must have a college diploma or university degree in a health or human service specialty area or the equivalent.
What's Special
Who can you help? You will learn how to work with children and adults with physical, emotional and developmental disabilities, older adults, young people at risk, people with head or spinal cord injuries and people with mental health issues. You will learn to use a variety of recreation activities to help clients become healthier and to grow and develop as individuals.
Careers
During your two academic semesters, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed by today's therapeutic recreation practitioners. During your internship semester, you will put classroom theory in to practice in a setting that meets your interests. As a graduate you will join others who are working in health, recreation and social service agencies such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, municipalities, community organizations, and long-term care facilities.
How do I apply?
Interested students apply through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) at www.ontariocolleges.ca . More information about applying can also be found on Georgian College's website at www.georgianc.on.ca
How is the Internship set up?
The process is very individualized with the Program Coordinator working closely with the students to help them line up an Internship that will meet their needs and will provide a positive learning experience. Internships may be completed across Ontario and beyond.
How many students are in the program each year?
The maximum number of students registered in the program each year is 40. These small classes contribute to the very personalized learning experience that makes this program unique.
Is this program offered on a part-time or distance education basis?
We do have some unique distance education opportunities available. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information about these offerings.
What are the entrance requirements?
Applicants must have a college diploma or university degree in a health or human service specialty area. Some of the common education backgrounds that applicants possess include gerontology, physical education, kinesiology, recreation and leisure, health promotion, early childhood education, developmental or social services worker, and psychology. Typically, about 80 - 85% of our students possess university degrees as this is a hiring requirement at some agencies who employ therapeutic recreation practitioners. Applicants will be required to submit a transcript and current resume, which outlines their related work and/or volunteer experience. The relatedness of an applicant's education, along with one's grade point average, the length of post-secondary studies, and the applicant's experience working/volunteering in recreation and/or with individuals with disabilities will all be considered when entrance decisions are made.
What if I have additional questions?
You are more than welcome to contact Christine Wilkinson, Program Coordinator at (705) 325-2740 ext. 3063 or via email at cwilkinson@georgianc.on.ca. We would also be pleased to have you come for a campus tour, meet with the Program Coordinator and/or sit in on some classes.
What is the average starting salary for program graduates?
Of those that reported their salary from the class of '07, the average starting salary was $39,286 per year, with a salary range of between $22,000 and $57,000 per year. We are awaiting graduate employment and starting salary figures for the class of '08.
What is the format of the program?
The Post-Graduate Therapeutic Recreation Program takes place over three consecutive semesters. Two fourteen week academic semesters take place in the fall and the winter, followed by a 14 week Internship semester in the summer.
What is the graduate employment rate?
Our graduate employment rate is consistently excellent. For the class '07, 81% were working in a related position within six months of finishing the program (while overall, 94% of our graduates were working). Not all positions are permanent, full-time ones, but they provide a good base to begin a career in the therapeutic recreation field.
What is the Internship component of the program?
The 500 hour competency-based Internship provides students with the opportunity to develop and improve their skills under the supervision of a Therapeutic Recreation Practitioner and to channel themselves into a rewarding career option in one of many different settings. The Internship is closely supervised and evaluated by both the agency and the College's Internship Monitor to whom a variety of "competencies" are submitted throughout the Internship.
What is the program schedule like?
Each academic semester is comprised of six courses that are directly related to therapeutic recreation. Each course is scheduled for three hours per week, for a total of 18 hours of class time per week. In addition, during the fall semester, several full-day field trips take place where students have the opportunity to visit a number of facilities that provide therapeutic recreation services.
What sorts of jobs are available?
Graduates of the program find employment working with individuals of all ages in health, recreation or human service organizations such as:
- Acute, chronic care and other specialized hospitals
- Facilities / agencies for individuals with psychiatric or developmental disabilities
- Rehabilitation programs
- Children's treatment centres
- Municipal recreation departments
- Long term care facilities / Adult day programs
- Correctional programs and facilities
- Community / private agencies serving people with illness or disability
What's the Therapeutic Recreation Program about?
The Therapeutic Recreation program prepares students to work within recreation, health, or social service delivery systems serving individuals with illnesses, disabilities or other constraints. Students acquire the skills to complete client assessments, develop and evaluate group and individualized programs, and use a variety of facilitative techniques to assist individuals to participate in meaningful recreational activities that will enhance health, improve functional ability, and increase quality of life. The program is based on a firm belief of the inherent benefits of play, recreation and leisure to all individuals. Students learn to adapt recreation activities so individuals with a variety of disabling conditions can participate and to use recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve/restore health and wellness.
When do I need to apply by? When will I find out if I have been accepted in to the program?
February 1 is the application deadline for "equal consideration". Acceptance letters are sent out at the end of March each year.
With a college diploma in addition to this program, will I be as marketable as I would be with a university degree in conjunction with this program?
In many settings, the answer is "yes", but in some settings, you will not be eligible for Recreation Therapist positions unless you possess a university degree. Many of these organizations have "Recreation Therapy Assistant" positions that you would be qualified for, however. As the profession of therapeutic recreation continues to evolve and develop, hiring requirements change to keep up with these trends. This means increased credentials at many organizations. If you have questions about your employability after completing the program, please contact the Program Coordinator.