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Community and Therapeutic Recreation

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Community and Therapeutic Recreation

  • Program Code: 4A5
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September Intake

An exercise in living fully.

Today we are seeing an increased focus on personal wellness and the compelling recognition that it is paramount to leading full, satisfying and productive lives. This proactive movement is generating an increased demand for trained professionals in community and therapeutic recreation. These leaders create programs that embrace the diversity of communities, emphasize the importance of cultural connections and bring awareness to the benefits of balanced living.  

If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in community and therapeutic recreation, this program not only delivers engaging coursework for a strong academic foundation, it also provides opportunities for practical experience and field placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and community and municipal centres. Through this strategic combination you will develop the leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed to be successful in this dynamic field.

Discover the importance of physical literacy and recreation, and how they promote independence, self-esteem, and satisfaction in a person’s life. Learn to apply the recreation and therapeutic processes of planning, implementation, evaluation, and assessment to empower others and support their leisure and recreation, assisting them in mastering their own fitness, health and wellness goals. 

In this career, you will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life that shapes a community. You will have the opportunity to foster the growth for individuals’ social, emotional, and physical well-being that contributes to a thriving society encompassing all ages, genders, cultural needs and abilities. Equipped with this program’s exciting coursework, practical experience, and field placements, complemented with several health and wellness certifications, you will be ready to dive into this ocean of opportunity and potential.

Take that leap – apply today!
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Access to a wide range of recreational pursuits including therapeutic recreation, outdoor recreation, and community-based programming appropriate to the various sectors of the industry
  • Practical skill development
  • Field placements
  • Exposure to health and wellness, therapeutic and community recreation initiatives
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Research shows that play is beneficial for social and emotional development. It helps children to learn self-control, emotion-regulation, communication, conflict resolution, and much more.1
  • Taking part in leisure activities as a family is beneficial for children because adults are modeling healthy ways to handle stress and emotions.
  • When you feel good physically, you are more likely to feel better emotionally.
  • Therapeutic recreation improves an individual’s mood and overall wellbeing.
  • Regular exercise reduces both anxiety and depression – both conditions improve after nine to ten weeks of regular aerobic activity.2
  • Community recreation creates social connections and bonds that lead to strong health and inclusive communities.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:
  1. Identify recreational needs for diverse community groups including those with special needs and challenges.
  2. Plan and design community and therapeutic recreation programming.
  3. Engage in recreational and therapeutic community-based programming.
  4. Implement and administer programming in both recreational and therapeutic settings.
  5. Manage recreation environments for organizations and community groups.
  6. Apply recreation and leisure interventions to help improve physical, social, cognitive and emotional health.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Due to the outdoor components in the RS1256 and RS1370 courses, students are required to have appropriate equipment and the clothing necessary to successfully complete these courses (e.g. back pack, rain gear - pants and jacket, winter clothing - jacket/pants/gloves/hat/boots, and other clothing/equipment appropriate for outdoor recreation activities and overnight camping).

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:

1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a minimum 60% overall average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. College Transition 
College Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
 
Additional Admission Requirements
The Entrance Requirements - Additional Documentation Package identifies specific documentation that students are required to provide for the Community and Therapeutic Recreation Program. You will receive this package as part of your letter of acceptance and these documents must be completed, signed, and returned prior to online registration.
 

  1. Section A: A clear Criminal Record Screening Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) with applications obtainable through the RNC, or a clear Criminal Record Check with applications obtainable through the RCMP. A Vulnerable Sector Check is also required.
These documents must be dated no more than two months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program. Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct may be denied access to field placements and will be unable to complete the program. Please note that after enrollment, additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
  1. Section B: First Aid and Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR)
    Students must possess a valid First Aid Certificate and basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR), valid until the end of each semester.
  2. Section C:  Immunization Record and Immunization-Communicable Diseases Screening Package
Students must complete and submit the Student Pre-Placement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Package prior to online registration.

Please Note: 
  1. Copies of the required Criminal Record Screening Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) or the Criminal Record Check, along with the Vulnerable Sector Check, First Aid, CPR, Student Pre-Placement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Package are to be submitted prior to online registration; otherwise, students will not be able to attend class. 
  2. After enrolment, additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities. 
  3. Due to the physical nature of many of the courses offered throughout the two-year program, students are expected to be in good physical condition and demonstrate the ability to take part in intense physical activities in an indoor and outdoor setting.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
RS1100 Intro to Community Recreation 3 3 0
RS1280 Program Planning 2 2 1
RS1451 Intro to Therapeutic Recreation 4 3 2
RS1110 Health & Wellness I 3 3 1
CM2100 Workplace Correspondence 3 3 0
FW1710 Field Placement I 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
RS1210 Intro to Mental Health 3 3 1
RS1215 Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion 3 3 0
PS2340 Organizational Behaviour 4 4 0
RS1260 Health & Wellness II 3 3 0
RS1115 Media & Public Relations 3 2 2
RS1256 Outdoor Recreation I 2 2 1
FW1711 Field Placement II 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk
         
Semester 3   Cr Le La
RS1380 Therapeutic Interventions 4 3 2
RS1370 Outdoor Recreation II 3 2 3
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
RS1240 Recreation Activities 3 2 2
RS1320 Recreation Administration 3 3 1
RS1400 Community Agencies 3 3 0
RS1440 Recreation Facilities 2 2 1
CM2300 Report Writing 2 2 0
HN1200 Human Resource Management 3 3 1
FW2710 Field Placement III 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
RS1460 Recreation Programming for the Older Adult 3 3 1
RS1520 Risk Management & Legal Liability 3 3 0
RS1530 Principles & Procedures of Therapeutic Recreation 3 3 0
SC1110 Intro to Sociology 4 4 0
MN1410 Special Events Management 4 3 2
FW2711 Field Placement IV 5 11 wks 4 wks
      2 hrs/wk 35 hrs/wk

 

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of roles, including, but not limited to:

  • Community Events Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Disability Camp Coordinator
  • Facility Supervisor
  • Manager of Community Services
  • Program Director and Supervisor
  • Recreation Assistant
  • Recreation Attendant
  • Recreation Coordinator
  • Recreation Counsellor
  • Recreation Program Instructor
  • Recreation Therapy Worker
  • Recreation Worker
  • Seniors Outreach Supervisor
  • Seniors Outreach Worker
  • Workplace Wellness Coordinator
  • Youth Coordinator
FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
University of Lethbridge
Graduates of CNA's Community and Therapeutic Recreation diploma program who have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.00 and meet the University of Lethbridge admission requirements will be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program at the University of Lethbridge. Students admitted under this agreement will be granted third-year standing and will be subject to the same academic regulations, rights, and responsibilities as other students in the program.

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $1,197.00 (per semester) $572.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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