Recreation Therapy Aide Diploma

Recreation Therapy Aide
  • Program Type: Post-Secondary Program
  • Program Length: 1,120 Hours / 54 Weeks
  • Program Delivery Onsite - Full Time
  • Program Delivery: Online - Synchronous /Blended.

About the Program

A diploma certificate in recreational aide therapy prepares you with the necessary skills to design and implement therapeutic programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. You will learn to assess client needs, develop tailored therapeutic plans, and lead activities that support rehabilitation and improve overall quality of life. This comprehensive training readies you for a career in recreational aid therapy, working in settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations.

This recreation aide diploma certificate, accredited by the Government of Alberta and the Private Career College Act (PCC), is committed to delivering high-quality training, informed by industry best practices. It is eligible for student aid from the governments of  Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Manitoba, ensuring accessible, quality education for aspiring recreation aides.

This program offers synchronous online, onsite and blended learning opportunities, providing flexible scheduling options including morning, evening, and weekend classes, allowing students to choose a fixed monthly schedule. It includes a practicum for hands-on experience and scholarship opportunities to support your educational journey.

Practicum for Hands-on Experience

The practicum component of the recreational therapy aide program entails completing 160Hours/7Weeks of on-site supervised experience. This includes practical training in our student-run clinic and through community projects, providing a comprehensive application of recreational therapy skills on various client groups.

Admission

Standard Admission

Educational Qualifications:

  • Alberta High School Diploma, including English 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65%, verified by transcript, or an equivalent qualification from a non-Alberta institution.
  • OR General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.).

Interview:

  • A successful interview with the school administration is required.

Mature Admission:

Age Requirement:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old, except in British Columbia where the minimum age is 19.

Testing:

  • Successful completion of the Wonderlic test with a passing score of 20.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements:

  • Automatic Qualification:
    • Completion of full-time education in English for the entirety of the program in Canada, or a full-time education from another country where English is the primary language of instruction. Verification through a school transcript in English or a letter from the former school stating English as the medium of instruction.
  • Alternative Qualifications:
    • If the automatic qualification is not met, ELP can be demonstrated through one of the following tests:
      • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 5.5)
      • IELTS: Overall band of 6
      • TOEFL (IBT): Total score of 60
      • CAEL: Total score not less than 50.
      • Duolingo: Score of 105.
      • Pearson English Test (PTE)

Interview:

  • A successful interview with the school administration is required.

Related: Admission Procedures

Program Tuition Fees

At Aquinas College, the tuition fees for the recreational therapy diploma are competitively priced at $1,230 per course for the 54-week program, making it one of the more affordable options among private colleges in Alberta. 

Please note that the listed costs might not cover all possible fees charged by the school. For the most precise and up-to-date information regarding educational expenses, it is advisable to contact the school directly.

Student Aid

This Therapeutic Aide course at Aquinas College qualifies for student aid from the governments of  Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Manitoba

Scholarships

Aquinas College offers several scholarships for new immigrants, adult learners and youths in Canada. Eligibility involves fulfilling admission requirements, obtaining recommendations, and maintaining high academic and professional records.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in recreational therapy are abundant for graduates of the Recreational Therapy Aide Diploma at Aquinas College. The program equips students with the skills needed to excel in various settings such as long-term care facilities, multidisciplinary clinics, rehabilitation centres, day treatment programs, community recreation centres, outdoor and adventure recreation programs, health and fitness clubs, health spas, nursing homes, hospitals, and mobile clinics.

Aquinas College provides career counselling to help students identify and pursue these opportunities, guiding them toward fulfilling careers in the growing field of recreational therapy.

Contact:

Address

400C-9705 Horton Rd SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2V 2X5, Canada

Phone

  • +1 877-460-8575
  • +1 825-413-0859
  • +1 587-315-6969

Email: info@aquinascollege.ca

(Mon – Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a recreational aid therapist in Canada?

To become a recreational therapy aide assistant, one should complete a diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution. Alternatively, an equivalent training might also be considered for this role.

How much do recreational therapists make in Alberta?

According to the ZipRecruiter salary index, recreational Therapists in Alberta typically earn between $21.88 and $36.54 per hour, with an average wage of $27 per hour. The top earners in the field can make up to $55.29 per hour.

What is synchronous online learning?

Synchronous online learning at Aquinas College involves live, real-time interaction between instructors and students via an online platform. This format requires students to attend classes online at the real time of the class.

How to cope with a full time job?

To cope with a full-time job while enrolled in the program at Aquinas College, students can choose class times that best fit their schedule, selecting from morning, afternoon, or weekend sessions. This flexibility allows students to balance work and study effectively, although they must commit to their chosen schedule for the duration of each course.

What do you mean by flexible timing? Can i come anytime i want?

This program has 13 courses, Flexible timing in this context means that students at Aquinas College have the option to select from morning, afternoon, or weekend classes at the start of each course. However, once a time slot is chosen, students cannot change it mid-course. This flexibility allows students to plan their schedules in advance to accommodate other commitments but does not allow for attendance at any time outside the chosen schedule.

More Questions?

Information about the program can be answered by our recreational therapy and academic department team.

Related

Course Listing

Medical TerminologyMedical Terminology & Pathology (80 Hours)

Learn how to speak and write like a medical expert. This course introduces you to the world of medical science. Sessions include medical definitions, abbreviations, spellings, and system-compliant pronunciations. You’ll be introduced to basic anatomy, acquainting with the makeup and functions of bodily organs and systems. It also features sessions on specialties like physiology, pathology, treatments, etc. 

Introduction to Health Care, Support Network and Community ResourcesIntroduction to Health Care, Support Network and Community Resources (20 Hours)

In view of the Canadian care system, this course dissects various components of care systems, from individuals to communities and health care programs. It takes a detail-oriented, community-centric approach to guide you to recreation options and care resources in different provinces. 

Interpersonal SkillsInterpersonal Skills, Communication and Collaboration in Health Care (60 Hours)

Learn important communication skills needed when collaborating with healthcare professionals. The course features sessions on oral and written communications. 

Human Growth and Development (40 Hours)

Explore the human life cycle and the stages in human life. Besides biophysocial theories articulating normal developmental processes, the course also delves into developmental disorders. This two-pronged approach better equips you to identify and fulfill your clients’ unique needs with recreational resources. 

Psychology and Community Mental Health (40 Hours)

Journey through the world of human behavioral theories with sessions on physiological and psychological concepts. It discusses topics on neuroscience, sensation and perception, consciousness states, and learning and memory, cognition, and motivation. It also discusses the impact of mental health issues on the community at large.

Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation (20 hours)

This course shifts focus to key therapeutic recreation concepts. Learn basic niche-specific theories and definitions.

Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation Profession (30 Hours)

This course will provide an in-depth understanding of professional and ethical considerations related to therapeutic recreation in the province and Canada in the wider perspective.  The students will explore the current trends and issues in the field.

Health Promotion in Therapeutic Recreation (40 Hours)

Learn more about the connection between health and recreation. This course explores recreational concepts that enhance health and wellness.

Therapeutic Recreation Process and Assessment (90 Hours)

This course discusses the primary principles and protocols of therapeutic recreation. Students will learn different application techniques and how to plan and implement activity-based therapies. They’ll also learn how to tweak and manage custom programs based on client assessment.

Adapted Recreation and Program Planning (Inclusive Leisure, Education, Children and Youth) (90 Hours)

This brings more attention to ethical issues. It discusses the importance of inclusivity and diversity in recreation programs. Learn how to better assess and manage the needs of various demographics, from the elderly to youth and children. 

Aging, Physical and Cognitive Challenges in Therapeutic Recreation (90 Hours)

Further equipping you to serve the elderly demographic, this course explores a range of aging-related issues, from the aging process to aging theories, health issues liked Dementia, and other cognitive and physical disabilities. It also discusses the wide-reaching impact of aging on Canadian society.

Mental Health, Addictions and Therapeutic Recreation (80 Hours)

This course focuses on clients with mental issues and addictions. Learn the different recreational tools and techniques to use when serving the mentally challenged.

Issues, Trends in Recreation Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation (80 Hours)

This course will provide an opportunity for the students to examine different trends and issues in recreation services. The students will be introduced into different recreation activities that can be used for specific groups and cultural sensitivity.  (Dance therapy, Music therapy, Play therapy and others).

Capstone project (80 Hours)

This course will encourage students to integrate all the knowledge and skills they learned from this program and develop and facilitate their own recreation therapy to their targeted audience. 

Practicum (160 Hours)

Gain crucial first-hand experience as a recreational therapy aide. The 160 hours of practicum helps you launch your career with greater confidence. You’ll take all that you’ve learned and apply them in real-life facilities like long-term care services, recreational facilities, mental health institutions, etc.

Presentation and Personality Development Certificate (40 Hours)

This course will enhance the students’ presentation skills and personality development, This course covers various dimensions and the importance of a person’s compelling personality. It helps to improve and learn to understand personality traits. And also help in establishing a vital contribution to the world of business. This course gives awareness to students about the various dynamics of personality development. We can say personality Development is overall psychological development. 

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    Certifications

    • First Aid CPR Level C (16 Hours)
    • Mental Health First Aid (8 Hours)
    • Best Friend Approach (8 Hours)
    • Gentle Persuasive Approach (16 Hours)
    • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (16 Hours)

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