Explore This Program
Program Overview
Robertson’s Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator 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.
This program is licensed under Manitoba’s Private Vocational Institutions Act (PVIA).
This program has a mandatory 120-hour practicum before graduation. When it’s your time to shine, we’ll help you find a placement that matches your skills and meets your goals. Your practicum is an excellent way to apply your skills with industry professionals in a real work environment, something many employers look for when hiring. When you look for that first job, you’ll already have valuable experience in your back pocket.
Program Delivery
Online Learning
- Study on your own schedule with the option to attend live lectures throughout the week to connect with your instructor.
- Remote learning doesn't mean you're doing it on your own! You will always have the support of your instructors and education team through video calls, discussion boards and more.
- Brightspace helps you stay on track and hold you accountable while giving you flexibility.
Visit our Online Learning to learn more about this delivery format.
The coursework for this program is facilitated through Robertson Online, giving our learners the ultimate flexibility as they pursue a meaningful career. While you’ll be completing the program remotely, you’ll have instructor support along the way in the form of online office hours and virtual meetings.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Our admissions agents can work with you to ensure you meet the program’s criteria. This program is not currently open to International Students. Need advice? A Student Admissions Advisor is here to support you.
Contact Admissions
Career Opportunities
Therapeutic recreation facilitation may be a newer discipline but it’s an important part of interdisciplinary healthcare and long-term wellness teams. Graduates can find employment in clinical or community-based institutional settings. Employment opportunities include:
- Recreation Facilitator
- Adult Day Program Coordinator
- Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator
- Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator
- Recreation Worker
- Recreation Aide
Lifetime Career Services
Even though you’ll leave Robertson once you graduate, we will support you throughout your career. Our team will help you with resume building, job hunting and interview preparation and will continue to guide you as you advance in your role.
Before you graduate, you’ll be paired with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that are committed to your success and helping you thrive.
Learn more about Lifetime Career Services.
Next Start Dates
Online on your own time with 3 real-time optional sessions per week with your instructor.
New start dates are being released all the time. Contact us for more dates.
Topics of Study
Core Course Classes (320 Hours)
Business Communication (60 Hours)
This course provides learners 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 (40 Hours)
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 (40 Hours)
In this course, learners 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. Learners 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 (40 Hours)
This course introduces learners 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 (40 Hours)
This course introduces learners to the field of therapeutic recreation. The course will provide learners with the opportunity to understand the significance and impact of the field on society, and individual health and wellness. Learners will be introduced to the history of the field, relevant models, standards of practice, and regulatory guidelines. Students will also explore the emerging issues and trends within the discipline.
Program Planning (40 Hours)
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 (40 Hours)
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. Learners 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. Learners will develop the skills to provide high-quality programming across the lifespan.
Standard First Aid And CPR (20 Hours)
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.
Specialization Courses (280 Hours)
Anatomy and Physiology (40 Hours)
his course introduces learners to the anatomy and physiology of the various body systems. Learners 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. Learners will develop an understanding of the importance of anatomy and physiology in understanding health, wellness, fitness, and injury.
Assessment and Documentation (40 Hours)
This course introduces learners to assessment and documentation skills needed to practice effectively as a Recreation Therapist. The course will introduce learners to the assessment process, assessment considerations, assessment instruments, and best practices in documenting work with clients. Learners will develop the skills to practice ethical, empathetic, and professional assessment and documentation.
Facilitation (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the process of facilitating effective programming within the therapeutic recreation discipline. Learners will be introduced to human psychology as a basis for effective programming and develop facilitation techniques based on these ideas. Learners will also develop an understanding of working effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Research And Evaluation (40 Hours)
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 I (40 Hours)
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 II (40 Hours)
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 supports for these groups. Learners 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 (40 Hours)
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.
Practicum (120 Hours)
The Practicum experience is composed or an integrated work and learning experience. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 120 hours of practical experience in a professional setting within the leisure, recreation, and fitness setting. The course is designed to help students integrate academic learning with the realities of the work environment.
How It Works
Getting Started
Our flexible start dates give you plenty of opportunities to plan for school and live your life around it.
Taking the Course
All Robertson Online courses are hosted on Brightspace, an online platform designed to give you everything you need to succeed in remote learning.
Entering the Workforce
Our programs set you up to adapt to industry changes and thrive in our modern digital workforce.
Visit the How It Works page to learn more about our online student experience. To learn more about how Brightspace gives you everything you need to succeed in your online courses, click here.
Financial Assistance & Funding
Education is a big decision, and we are here to help should you require extra support. We offer personalized payment plans so you can break your tuition payments into affordable amounts throughout the year. You may also be eligible for a student line of credit, government loans, scholarships or bursaries.
Learn more about our funding opportunities.
Questions about tuition & financial assistance?
Contact Admissions
Work Experience Practicum
The practicum is an essential part of a learner’s program. It is both a graduation requirement and an extension of in-class learning. The practicum asks you to apply the skills, theories, and concepts that you learned in your classes in an entry-level work experience situation.
Practicum must begin and end within the dates outlined in your program schedule and enrolment contract. Practicum is a full-time, unpaid commitment, and is jointly-procured — where you work directly with our Practicum team to obtain a training-related placement. Your active participation with our Practicum team in the search for your practicum placement will enhance your career development skills, industry networking opportunities, and professional communication skills.
Who should enroll?
This program is suitable for high school graduates with an interest in the recreation field who want a program that will give them the hands-on skills to succeed in their role. It’s also a great program for healthcare professionals who want to build upon their current skillset in a flexible learning setting that allows them to work while they study.
Why study at Robertson?
The Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator is a rewarding and multi-faceted role in the recreation field, a field that is especially important during the pandemic.
Robertson graduates will enter the industry with a competitive edge as they enter the healthcare industry with a diverse skillset. The program is also a great opportunity for those currently working in the health sector to shift to a more specialized role, allowing them to leverage their previous knowledge and experience.
Our small class sizes create the perfect environment for learners to get hands-on instruction and one-on-one time to connect with peers and instructors.
Let's Get Started
Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.
Program Availability
This program is neither available on campus or via Robertson Online.