At Lethbridge Polytechnic in Lethbridge, Canada, Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology is offered as a diploma in Health Sciences programme. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered in a hybrid format. Tuition for international students is CAD 18,324 per year (CAD 5,124 per year for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Health Sciences
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: Hybrid
Local tuition: CAD 5,124 / year
International tuition: CAD 18,324 / year
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology is a two-year, 66-credit diploma focused on using leisure and recreation to support the health and wellness of older adults. The curriculum combines classroom theory and laboratory work with two work-integrated learning practicums - a three-credit placement in year one and a six-credit advanced practicum in year two - plus immersive scenarios in the college's Simulation Hub. It is delivered on campus at Lethbridge Polytechnic, with both synchronous and asynchronous online components. The program is one of relatively few in Canada with a specific gerontology focus within therapeutic recreation and is recognized by the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association. It suits students who enjoy assessing, planning, and leading recreational activities for seniors. Graduates find work in community programs, group homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, mental health programs, rehabilitation centres, and senior day or activity centres, and are eligible for membership with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet Lethbridge Polytechnic's general admission requirements for polytechnic programs (a Canadian high school diploma including English 30-1 or 30-2, or an approved alternative route), plus this diploma's own prerequisite of Biology 30 or equivalent. From the 2027-2028 intake the program also requires English 30-1 or 30-2 (or equivalent) directly and asks all applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. For non-native English speakers, the institution's general benchmarks apply: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE Academic 54, CAEL 60 overall (60 in Writing, 50 in all other bands), or Duolingo English Test 110.
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly Lethbridge College) admits on a fixed quarterly schedule rather than rolling. Applications for a term open on the first of October, February or June for Fall, Winter and Summer respectively. For the Fall 2027 intake, domestic applicants must apply by 7 September 2027 with unofficial documents, official documents following by 15 September 2027; for the nearer Winter 2027 intake the domestic close is 5 January 2027. International applicants apply roughly a term earlier: 1 May 2027 for Fall 2027 (study-permit documents due 1 August 2027), 1 September 2026 for Winter 2027 (documents due 1 December 2026). The college stresses that many programmes are in high demand and can stop accepting applications before the published date, so applying as early as the window opens is recommended even though the deadlines themselves are fixed, not rolling. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
