Therapeutic Recreation
Are you interested in an allied health profession? Do you see the value of leisure, recreation, play, and physical activity to individuals and communities? Do you want to help people with illnesses or disabling conditions improve their health, well-being, and/or quality of life?
The therapeutic recreation bachelor’s degree program at the University of Regina will prepare you for a unique health career as a recreation therapist.
Therapeutic Recreation uses leisure, play, recreation, and physical activity as treatment modalities to support purposeful and meaningful interventions that are based on individual strengths and values, and are guided by assessments.
By studying therapeutic recreation, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to use recreational activities that focus on the person, to enhance their quality of life and well-being.
Recreation therapists work in many areas including long-term care, rehabilitation, pediatrics, and mental health and addictions.
The University of Regina has one of only nine therapeutic recreation programs in Canada that prepares you for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification examination. Completion of the therapeutic recreation degree virtually guarantees that you will be eligible to write the exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. More than 90 per cent of U of R therapeutic recreation degree graduates who write the exam pass, well beyond the national average.
Study how leisure, play, and sport are a vital therapeutic component for people with mental or physical health conditions or injuries in this bachelor’s degree program.
What Is Therapeutic Recreation?
Therapeutic recreation uses a person-centered approach, focusing on strengths, and applies recreation and leisure theory to improve quality of life and well-being.
The classes in the U of R’s Bachelor of Sport & Recreation Studies Therapeutic Recreation degree program include:
- Therapeutic Recreation Foundations, which is an introduction to therapeutic recreation, and covers its theoretical foundations and how it developed as a profession
- Therapeutic Recreation Interventions, which examines the intervention process and the forms of interventions and strategies used to bring about changes in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning for persons with disabilities, limitations or age-related conditions
- Therapeutic Recreation: Mental Health and Addictions, which explores mental health and addictions through a therapeutic recreation lens. Students will learn about the range of mental health and addictions-related conditions and the impact of therapeutic recreation treatment on rehabilitation and recovery.
Using a strengths-based approach, recreation therapists assess clients, plan meaningful therapeutic recreation programs based on client goals, implement those programs, and evaluate client progress.
Therapeutic Recreation Meet Your Faculty
Quick Facts
Connect with us
What is Therapeutic Recreation?
Join host Cullen Wagner, a student in our brand new Podcasting & Dynamic Storytelling course, as he sits down with Therapeutic Rec student Abby Fichtner to discuss the importance of TR and what students can expect from our program!
Why Study Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Regina?
The University of Regina’s therapeutic recreation program is the only therapeutic recreation degree in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and one of only three degree programs in Western Canada.
By studying therapeutic recreation, you will develop critical thinking skills and have access to hands-on learning opportunities, both in and outside of the classroom. This program is supported by professionals working in the field.
When you complete the program, you are eligible to write the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. This internationally recognized certification allows you to work anywhere in Canada or the U.S. as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.Fieldwork placements
Test your knowledge in a real world setting. Fieldwork placements provide you with practical, hands-on learning experience and help you develop professional competency skills. Placements typically include supervision with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.Community service learning or volunteer opportunities
Several therapeutic recreation classes include opportunities for community service learning in a therapeutic recreation environment.Small class sizes
Small class sizes allow for interaction between students and instructors.
Learn from expert faculty members whose research interests include:
- Leisure and aging
- Leisure and marginalized populations
- Community development in recreation, sport, and leisure
- Leisure experience of people with intellectual disabilities
Eligible for NCTRC certification
When you have completed the program successfully, you are eligible to write the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. More than 90 per cent of U of R therapeutic recreation degree graduates who write the exam pass, well beyond the national average.
I chose this program as I have always had a passion for working with individuals with disabilities, as well as the geriatric population. From my experience, the Therapeutic Recreation program at the University of Regina offers a warm environment and is incredibly supportive to its students. Professors, community contacts, and fellow graduates were often introduced throughout the program. This gave ample opportunity to learn and to network. Not only have I gained an immense amount of knowledge, I have been able to build strong professional and interpersonal connections. This, along with opportunities for practical application through volunteering, partnerships, and fieldwork, I felt confident in being to able to apply what I’ve learnt throughout my career.
Therapeutic Recreation Frequently Asked Questions
- Kinesiology and Health Studies Student Society
- Clubs and activities open to all U of R students
You can also become a member of the following:
- Regina Therapeutic Recreation Association
- Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals
- Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association
Yes! We offer the following scholarships to therapeutic recreation majors:
- Mary Bluechardt Scholarship
- Eli Gleiberman Scholarship in Human Kinetics and Therapeutic Recreation
- Ferguson Alumni Scholarship for Human Kinetics or Therapeutic Recreation
Find out why Therapeutic Recreation is right for you!
Therapeutic Recreation Degree Concepts and Goals
Using a strengths based approach, recreation therapists assess clients, plan meaningful therapeutic recreation programs based on client goals, implement those programs, and evaluate client progress. Recreation therapists work in many areas including long-term care, rehabilitation, pediatrics, and mental health and addictions.Learn
Develop critical thinking skills and learn the practical application of theory from expert instructors.Get experience
Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork placements, community service learning and volunteer opportunities.Succeed
When you finish the therapeutic recreation degree program, you are eligible to write the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. More than 90 per cent of U of R therapeutic recreation degree graduates who write the exam pass on their first attempt.
You will be well-prepared for a health career in this unique field.
I have always had a desire to help others achieve their highest quality of life and after hearing about the Therapeutic Recreation program at the U of R and learning more about the field of Therapeutic Recreation I knew immediately that I would be switching my academic path after already being in university for two years. The professors and students within this program are what made my experience at the U of R so memorable. The professors and deans always ensured they made time for the students and created an environment that allowed students to focus on their passions while ensuring students would also meet the necessary requirements to achieve CTRS status after graduation. The program ensured I was prepared to enter into practice as a therapist and ensured I had the needed tools and resources to ensure I could provide quality service for the clientele I serve. I have also maintained relationships with a number of the professors, presented on evidence-based practice research, and have increased my network of colleagues within and outside of the profession as a result of graduating from the U of R.
What Can You Do With a Therapeutic Recreation Degree?
Recreation therapists work in many areas including long-term care, rehabilitation, pediatrics, and mental health and addictions. Our graduates have worked for organizations shown here.
To explore minors that may be available in this program area, please visit the Academic Calendar or meet with your faculty advisor in the Academic Advising Office after you are admitted.
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Alberta Health Services
- Correctional facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centres
- Assisted living facilities
