Why choose this program?
Learn how recreation and leisure experiences can be used to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, illnesses, and other limitations. One of a few 4-year degrees of its kind, ±«Óãtv's Recreation program was the first to be accredited in Canada by theÌý.
After completing the program, you'll be prepared to write the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many ±«Óãtv programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum average of 70%Ìý
English (min. 70%)
Four additional academic subjects.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
In the final year of the program, a 16-week internship under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist takes you out of the classroom and provides you with hands-on work experience that enhances your studies. 100% of our students achieve expectations on their final internship performance appraisals.
If you’re interested in research, the honours option will provide you with a valuable opportunity to gain research experience with mentorship from a Therapeutic Recreation faculty member.
The following Therapeutic Recreation program options are offered by ±«Óãtv University’s Faculty of Health. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
Bachelor of Science, Recreation (Therapeutic Recreation)
Bachelor of Science, Recreation (Therapeutic Recreation) with Honours
What you will learn
The goal of the program is to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills to work in a variety of settings as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Since we only accept approximately 25 students each year, class sizes are very small, and you have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and fellow students. To kick off your first year, you’ll participate in an overnight recreation orientation at Camp Mush-a-Mush near Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Orientation gives you chance to get to know your fellow recreation students and take part in hands-on activities, while making new friends.
In first year, along with the introductory leisure studies course, you’ll take a range of introductory courses in other departments, such as physiology, sociology, psychology, and anatomy. In years two to four, your courses will reflect your individual interests in the program—anything from leadership and dynamics to community development.
Sample courses may include:
Human Growth and Development
Adult Psychopathology
People and Culture
Foundations of RecreationÌý
Leisure Theory
Program Planning
Leadership and Group Dynamics
Inclusive Recreation Service DeliveryÌý
Leisure Education
Therapeutic Recreation Facilitation, Implementation and Evaluation
Counselling Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation
Administrative Concepts in Therapeutic Recreation
Youth at Risk
Addiction and Mental Illness
Aging and LifestyleÌý
After completing the program, you’ll be well prepared to write the NCTRC exam and begin a rewarding career in the field.
Careers
±«Óãtv students have higher than the national average of pass rates for the NCTRC exam. Our students had 98.5% first-time exam pass rate in the past 3 years, which is more than 12% above the national average.  Graduates from ±«Óãtv's Recreation program is in demand now, as public and private organizations plan for an aging and increasingly diverse population.
Therapeutic recreation is a rapidly growing field, and new career opportunities are constantly being created. You'll be well prepared to start a rewarding career as a member of an interdisciplinary team within the healthcare and recreation sectors.Ìý
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in science, health, or business administration.
