What is Therapeutic Recreation and its purpose? 

Therapeutic Recreation is a health care profession that focuses on enhancing the quality of life of individuals who have disabilities, illnesses, or other health conditions. This profession uses play, leisure, and recreation as the main instrument for improving an individual’s overall well-being.  

What does a Recreation Therapist do? 

Recreation Therapists often design activities centered around enhancing physical health and promoting social interactions through specialized therapy sessions, games, dance, music, or remedial gymnastics to meet the needs of their patients.

Where does a Recreation Therapist work? 

Rehabilitation Centres 

Hospitals 

Assistant living facilities 

What level of education do I need to become a Certified Recreation Therapist in Canada? 

A bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation studies, or any related field. 

Hands-on experience in recreation therapy through placements, fieldwork, internships, or paid professional work experience.  

These schools offer a specialized TR Program:

• Uof R
• Lethbridge
• Dalhousie
• the Online University

Looking for a list of post secondary institutions in Manitoba check out this page Post Secondary Institutions

How long does it take to become a Recreation Therapist in Canada?  

A bachelor's degree will take four (4) years.

Some employers may prefer or require Recreation Therapists to have certifications from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

How do I become a Certified Recreation Therapist? 

Applicants who wish to be a Certified Recreation Therapist must have a bachelor's degree or higher in the Recreation Therapy field or other related fields.

Applicants will be required to gain supervised experience in recreation therapy settings through a set number of fieldwork hours.

After completing the educational requirements, applicants need to take the NCTRC certification exam and receive a passing score to obtain the CTRS and NCTRC credentials.

For more information, visit: https://nctrc.org/