Diploma in Recreation Therapy (Accelerated)

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 480 hours of practical experience in the field through multiple practicum experiences with over 400 agencies in our database.Compressed schedule allows for students to balance work and school with classes offered on select days.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 leisure services for individuals at all stages in life who experience barriers to healthy leisure.Recognize leisure, recreation and play as integral components of quality of life.Assess needs and passions of an individual to provide person centred care.Focus on inclusion and empowering to help people live their fullest life despite any limitations.How to give back as much power and choice as possible back to the participant.Provide services to individuals who have physical, mental, emotional or social limitations that impact their ability to engage in leisure experiences.Follow us on Instagram @mohawkrecreationtherapy to check out highlights of our program! Program Length16 months of study – accelerated and consecutive semesters, compressed schedule for enhanced flexibility View the Exceptions Calendar for start dates and semester break information.Interested in our 2 year program of study?Check out our Recreation Therapy 283 Program