Douglas College, located just outside Vancouver in New Westminster, offers a program for students to obtain either a diploma or bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. The diploma program takes two years for a full-time student to complete while the bachelor's degree takes four years. However, Douglas College also accepts part-time students in either program. Students take courses in recreation program planning, health practices, anatomy and developmentally disabling conditions for both programs; bachelor's degree program students also take advanced classes, such as counseling and ethics as well as research-based courses. Applicants must complete at least 45 hours of paid or volunteer work in recreational services in order to be eligible for enrollment. Preference is given to students who have completed other post-secondary coursework and have related work experience.
Douglas College
700 Royal Ave.
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Z5
604-527-5400
douglas.bc.ca
Located about 10 miles north of the U.S. border in Surrey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Langley campus offers a gerontology-based therapeutic recreational certificate program. Students in this program, which is also offered at Kwantlen's Richmond campus, learn about the application of recreational therapy for older adults. Class topics include aging, fitness for seniors, dementia, program planning and recreational assessment. The program takes one year for full-time students to complete and two years for part-time students. Applicants are required to have proof of CPR certification and 50 hours of volunteer work in a recreational setting. Students can pursue certification in other programs at Kwantlen during their studies, such as special education teacher assistant or community support worker, thanks to an initiative through the education, community and health specialties department.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
20901 Langley Bypass
Langley, BC V3A 8G9
604-599-2100
kwantlen.ca
Located in Kelowna, Okanagan College's therapist assistant diploma program offers students a chance to gain entry-level positions in recreational therapy. Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Students also study occupational therapy and physiotherapy in addition to recreational therapy. Coursework includes anatomy, kinesiology and client care practices in addition to 16 weeks of hands-on experience through clinical assignments at hospitals, community agencies or other health care facilities. Before applying, students must be certified in first aid and basic life support, receive tuberculin testing and pass a criminal background check.
Okanagan College
1000 KLO Rd.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8
250-762-5445
okanagan.bc.ca