Diploma in Recreation Therapy

At the core, Recreation Therapists use leisure as a tool to help people of all ability levels make the most of their lives – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. What is Recreation Therapy?Recreation Therapy is person-centred: Our approach is about the individual, their needs and their passions, find out what lights their fire, and help them attain it.Recreation Therapy breaks barriers: It’s about inclusion and empowering individuals to live their fullest life despite any limitations.Recreation Therapy is evidence-based: Leisure is always purposeful and rooted in research, which matches specific interventions to specific client groups.It is a healthcare field that enriches lives. Recreation Therapists work in a variety of clinical & community settings and work with people across the lifespan. (Adapted from Lifeinfull.ca) Program Highlights At Mohawk, we are committed to providing the best experiential learning through the integration of theory and practice. Our commitment to experiential learning is supported by faculty who understand its value.Students gain 500 hours of practical experience in the field through multiple practicum experiences with over 400 agencies in our database.We offer two unique outdoor RT course experiences (overnight at camp) which has been shown to engage students, increase sense of belonging among peers and faculty, and contribute towards student success. Students say it is one of the most memorable parts of the program!We offer over 6 certifications and workshop trainings to set students apart on their job applications. Classroom learning is enhanced with our own experiential learning lab as well as the use of a Multisensory environment lab space.Mohawk College’s Therapeutic Recreation curriculum has been successfully reviewed and determined to be in alignment with the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO), and Essential Competency Framework (ECF).  As a result, graduates of this program (283, 353) are eligible to apply for the Registration designation with the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) upon graduation.As a student in the program, you will receive a student membership with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)What you'll learnTheoretical foundation and practical skills to plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation services for individuals at all stages in life who experience barriers to healthy leisure.How to provide person centred care, empower individuals to give as much choice as possible back to the participant.Assess leisure interests to create meaningful goals and specific outcomes for clients to achieve through therapeutic recreation interventions.  Facilitate recreation therapy interventions such as; music, horticulture, reminiscence, adventure, and animal therapies, adaptive sports, discussion groups, exercise programs, journaling, intergenerational programming.Develop leadership skills through individual and group presentations which are a core competency in the programStart with a diploma, Finish with a degree.Explore Mohawk College’s Recreation Therapy pathway program to a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (BTR)Contact a Pathway Advisor Program Length2 academic years (periods of 8 months)View the Exceptions Calendar for start dates and semester break information.Interested in a compressed schedule with enhanced flexibility?Check out our Recreation Therapy - 353 accelerated intake which can be completed in 16 months of consecutive study.