Recreation Therapy is a dynamic and unique health care profession that allows clinicians to practice with flexibility, and creativity. You learn to provide client centered, strength-based services using the recreation therapy process that emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. You acquire the skills to complete client assessments and to plan, implement, evaluate and document group and individual recreation therapy programs. Through a number of experiential learning opportunities, you develop leadership and programming skills. A variety of techniques are explored in order to assist individuals to participate in meaningful recreation and leisure experiences to achieve health related goals, improve functional ability, and increase quality of life.

Graduates of this program are eligible to become registered members of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO). Membership type will depend on the postsecondary credentials they hold:

R/TRO for graduates with degrees
R/TRO DIP for graduates with diplomas

Graduates may also apply to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) using one of two specific pathways (equivalency path A or B).

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Orillia

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes an internship component. During your final semester, you’ll take part in a supervised, structured work opportunity and apply your academic knowledge in a setting directly related to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

Apply as an international student

Still exploring your study options?

What are the admission requirements for the Therapeutic Recreation program?

Therapeutic Recreation admission requirements

Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent, with a specialty in health or human services.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

What career paths can I take as a recreational therapist?

Your Therapeutic Recreation graduate certificate gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of the program may find employment in health or human service
organizations such as:

Acute, chronic care, and other specialized hospitals
Provincial agencies or facilities for individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities
Rehabilitation programs
Children’s treatment centers
Municipal recreation departments
Long term care facilities/adult day programs
Correctional programs and facilities
Community or private agencies
Private practice

Flex MORE. Study Therapeutic Recreation part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go!
MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

What you need to know:

Next steps:

Visit the part-time program page

Apply to the part-time program

What courses are included in the Therapeutic Recreation graduate certificate program?

Course overview

12 Program Courses
1 Internship

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Therapeutic Recreation program outline.