Therapeutic Recreation Certificate
Credential: Mohawk College Certificate
Program Number: 280
DESCRIPTION
These courses have been designed for practitioners currently working in the field of Recreation. Course participants will be provided with updated knowledge and skills in the Therapeutic Recreation field.
About the Program
The program serves several purposes including providing education to current practitioners in the field who do not have formal academic preparation in TR, giving an opportunity to “upgrade” education in the theory and practice of TR and to accommodate students who work during regular day hours.
Our typical student to this point has either been working in the field for ten or more years without academic preparation specific to TR. The Program is primarily targeted towards professionals currently working in the field who are looking to improve their education and understanding of TR. This certificate course offers coursework for practitioners who want to get academic credit for the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) registration process. Completion of all four courses in the certificate would provide 20 points in the applicants “Formal Education” section and the practicum could be utilized for credit in the “Experience” section of the TRO registration process. http://www.trontario.org/uploads/Rtro.doc
Additional reasons current students are taking these courses include: employment in their current job is on condition that they complete this certificate; to improve recognition for what they do at their workplace; and to learn and liaise with others in the TR field who are also taking courses.
The program has been designed to include the theory and best practice research of TR with practical examples and student work experiences from their current positions in the field.
The Field
Therapeutic Recreation has grown tremendously in scope and in the employment opportunities available to practitioners. The career opportunities in Therapeutic Recreation can be found in Long Term Care Facilities, Hospitals, Outdoor Recreation/Education Agencies, Youth and Not-for-profit Organizations, Social Service and Corrections and others. Career titles include Recreation Therapists, Activities/Activation Staff, Recreation Program Supervisors, Therapeutic Recreation Programmers and Planners, Director of Recreation, and Life Enrichment Workers. In addition to government facilities and private agencies, individual practitioners have started their own companies and entrepreneurial ventures.
Clientele ranges from youth to adults who have need for any of the holistic areas (i.e., physical , cognitive, social, psychological, spiritual, etc.) that TR service provides. Common needs and/or diagnoses of clients include the areas of physical/ neurological conditions, mental health, dementia/Alzheimers, at-risk youth, corrections, long term care, homeless, and addictions.
Our Students
The typical student to this certificate program has been working in the recreation field for ten or more years without academic preparation specific to TR. Some are interested in a change of career and have both education and experience in other Human Service areas. Some have accepted TR jobs with the condition that they complete this program as a requisite for working with that company. Others are interested in completing the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) registration and need academic credit in TR to complete the ”Formal Education” section of their application. Still others use MDS and/or RAI forms as a part of their current jobs and are moving to meet with the education expectations from the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care around who will be eligible to complete these forms.
Other information
Completion of this certificate does not guarantee that the criteria of all agencies will be met for employment; some employers may require a degree or diploma in TR or a related field as their minimum academic requirements.
Students with experience in the field or with previous related academic coursework may be eligible for exemption from applicable courses through Mohawk College’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. Contact the Continuing Education Office or the Program Manager for further information.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Therapeutic Recreation Certificate is open to all students. Applicants are expected to have experience in the recreation field. Applicants must complete an application form for consideration for admission and send it to the Program Manager (Sue Vattay) by email sue.vattay@mohawkcollege.ca or fax 905-575-2094.
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
| Course Number | Course Name | Course Hours | Tentative Schedule* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |||
| RECL10011 | Therapeutic Recreation - Foundations | 42 | X | ||
| RECL10012 | Therapeutic Recreation - Assessments | 36 | X | ||
| RECL10013 | Therapeutic Recreation - Program Design & Delivery | 36 | X | ||
| RECL10014 | Therapeutic Recreation - Research | 36 | X | ||
| WORK10048 | Therapeutic Recreation - Practicum | 300 | X# | X# | X# |
| * Subject to change - Browse current catalogue for course offerings | |||||
| # Registration possible in any semester. Practicum agency must be approved and consultation with/permission of the Course Instructor and/or Program Manager is required. | |||||
Note: This program is not clustered with any other courses or programs and stands alone. These certificate courses are distinct from, and not equivalent to, those offered as part of the Mohawk College Recreation and Leisure Services diploma program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Apply Therapeutic Recreation theoretical models, including the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Standards of Practice, and their practical application in various health care settings.
Articulate a personal philosophy of Therapeutic Recreation practice while fostering an importance of life long learning in an environment that respects the diverse opinions, values and beliefs of others.
Apply principles and theories of program delivery in a therapeutic recreation environment, specifically examining the strengths and challenges of various facilitation techniques and program protocols.
Participate in various aspects of research and program evaluation for the purpose of evidence- based decision making in regard to program delivery.
