As a Recreation Therapy Professional, students will use meaningful recreation and leisure education, counseling, and experiences to promote, restore, rehabilitate, and/or maintain quality of life and well-being. Therapeutic Recreation supports the development of strengths while addressing social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive needs. Students will receive specialized training and certifications designed to meet the needs of an aging population, including: • DementiAbility Methods Certificate • Nordic Pole Walking Instructor Certification • Communication Tips and Tools for Dementia • Level 1 Inclusion Certificate from Variety Village

Students will also gain over 430 hours of practical field placement experience, supported by a field placement officer. Additionally, they will benefit from Therapeutic Recreation Ontario student membership and become eligible for their R/TRO designation upon graduation.

Career opportunities for Recreation Therapy professionals include: • Acute, chronic care, or other specialized hospitals • Adult day programs, retirement homes, or long-term care homes • Children’s treatment centers • Community or private agencies supporting people with illness or disability • Facilities/agencies for individuals with mental health or intellectual disabilities • Municipal recreation departments • Rehabilitation facilities