School of Community Services Diploma
Provincially licensed (PVIA)

Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

Help people of all abilities live fuller lives through recreation, with the assessment and facilitation skills care settings need, in 8 months.

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A direct path to employment, Robertson graduates finish ready for the workforce with practicum placement and hiring support from Robertson Workforce.

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Recreation that helps people heal and thrive

Credential Diploma · 8 Months
Practicum 3 weeks

Robertson’s Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator Diploma program prepares community-minded students for a rewarding and multi-faceted career in the recreation field to help improve the functional health of others.

A Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator understands the health, functional abilities, and leisure patterns of different populations and has the skills to support clients with differentiated needs by assisting with the implementation of treatment plans, adapting recreational activities, and documenting client progress. Throughout this program, you will learn how to assess individual health, functional abilities, and leisure behaviours in order to facilitate specialized treatment plans and guide activities throughout the patient’s journey.

Where care, programming, and human connection come together

  1. 1.

    Recreation and leisure foundations

    • Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Programming – 40h
    • Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation – 40h
    • Health and Wellness Education – 40h
  2. 2.

    Health and human development

    • Anatomy and Physiology – 40h
    • Recreation Across the Lifespan – 40h
    • Standard First Aid & CPR – 20h
  3. 3.

    Assessment and facilitation

    • Assessment and Documentation – 40h
    • Facilitation – 40h
    • Research & Evaluation – 40h
  4. 4.

    Special populations

    • Special Populations l – 40h
    • Special Populations ll – 40h
    • Therapeutic Recreation Programming – 40h
  5. 5.

    Planning and workplace skills

    • Program Planning – 40h
    • Business Communication – 60h
    • Career Preparation – 40h

Where therapeutic recreation graduates make a difference

Job titles graduates land

Adult Day Program Coordinator Recreation Aide Recreation Facilitator Recreation Worker Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

Recent graduate placements

Adult Day Programs Community Recreation Centres Long-Term Care Homes

Potential Earnings

$32,115–$64,480

in a year or less, after graduation

jobbank.gc.ca

8 months, broken into 15 courses

Business Communication

60h

This course provides students with the knowledge and tools to communicate effectively and professionally in the workplace. Students will be introduced to essential skills in writing, speaking, formal presentations and the use of technology to enhance workplace communication.

Career Preparation

40h

This course introduces students to the idea of professionalism and preparation for employment. Students will be introduced to the professional standards and skills required within their industry. Specific skills related to employability such as developing a resume, networking, career paths, and professional learning will be covered. This course develops a student’s capacity to become a skilled and insightful professional.

Health and Wellness Education

40h

Includes practical application and hands-on assignments. In this course, students will explore the concept of health and wellness and the role of leisure and recreation activities in helping individuals in leading enjoyable, healthy and satisfying lives. Students will explore the factors that influence health and develop an understanding of the recreation practitioner’s role in supporting health and wellbeing.

Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Programming

40h

This course introduces students to the field of recreation and leisure studies. The course will provide students with the opportunity to understand the significance and impact of the field on society, and on individual health and wellness. Students will be introduced to the history of the field, relevant models, standards of practice and regulatory guidelines. Students will explore emerging issues and trends within the discipline.

Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation

40h

This course introduces students to the field of therapeutic recreation. The course will provide students with the opportunity to understand the significance and impact of the field on society, and individual health and wellness. Students will be introduced to the history of the field, relevant models, standards of practice and regulatory guidelines. Students will explore emerging issues and trends within the discipline.

Program Planning

40h

This course provides learners with theoretical and practical experiences in developing recreation and leisure programming. Learners will be introduced to the different stages of the program design including program planning, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring. Learners will be introduced to reporting and record-keeping requirements associated with recreation and leisure programming.

Recreation Across the Lifespan

40h

This course introduces students to human growth and development throughout the lifecycle. Physical, social, emotional and cognitive maturation across all stages of development from early childhood to older adulthood will be examined. Students will explore barriers to leisure and recreation participation, the impact of recreation on different age groups, and explore the value of recreation for different ages. Students will develop the skills to provide high-quality programming across the lifespan.

Standard First Aid & CPR

20h

In this course, students will learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. The course will be taught by a certified first aid instructor and will meet provincial legislation requirements. Upon successful completion, students will receive certification in Standard First Aid, CPR Level C, and AED.

Anatomy and Physiology

40h

This course introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the various body systems. Students will develop an understanding of the structure and function of these systems, as well as basic medical terminology and common diseases and disorders of each. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of anatomy and physiology in understanding health, wellness, fitness and injury.

Assessment and Documentation

40h

This course introduces students to assessment and documentation skills needed to practice effectively as a Recreation Therapist. The course will introduce students to the assessment process, assessment considerations, assessment instruments, and best practice in documenting work with clients. Students will develop the skills to practice ethical, empathetic and professional assessment and documentation.

Facilitation

40h

This course introduces students to the process of facilitating effective programming within the therapeutic recreation discipline. Students will be introduced to human psychology as a basis for effective programing and develop facilitation techniques based on these ideas. Students will also develop an understanding working effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Research & Evaluation

40h

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of research and evaluation as it applies to therapeutic recreation programming. Learners will develop an understanding of research methodology, evidence-based best practices, and knowledge mobilization processes. Learners will develop critical thinking and appraisal skills and develop the skills to collaborate on research projects. This course strengthens a learner’s ability to engage in and support research practice within the field.

Special Populations l

40h

This course explores the role of therapeutic recreation services offered to a variety of populations such as people with mental health conditions, developmental, cognitive and physical impairment, older adults and other special populations. Systemic, psychological and sociological variables that impact therapeutic recreation services are examined along with a preliminary exploration of program models and approaches.

Special Populations ll

40h

This course builds on Special Populations l and examines ways to support special populations. The course examines the etiology and issues facing specific populations and explores support for these groups. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to work with clients with mental health and addictions issues, aging populations, populations with cognitive disabilities, and other high-needs populations.

Therapeutic Recreation Programming

40h

This course introduces learners to the fundamental theories, models, and practices of therapeutic recreation. The course will explore program models, program planning modalities, and explore the topic of inclusion. This course will develop the learner’s competence in systematic program planning, activity analysis, and adaptation.

What this diploma costs you, in full

Program Tuition

Includes all applicable fees, ebooks and courseware

Fees, ebooks, courseware included

$13,995

Tuition total

$13,995

The next cohort starts September 28

Applying to Robertson College is simple, with no fee to apply and no commitment. If you'd rather talk it through first, book a 15-minute call with an advisor: they'll walk you through admission, financing, and which way to learn is best for you.