Therapeutic Recreation University of Lethbridge

Overview

The Therapeutic Recreation programme at the University of Lethbridge provides a comprehensive pathway for students to become certified therapeutic recreation specialists. This degree is designed to equip graduates with the clinical skills necessary to use recreation as a primary tool for improving individual health and wellbeing.

As a health care profession, this field utilises a structured therapeutic process involving leisure and play to help individuals achieve their highest level of independence. Students learn to apply the APIED process—assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation—to direct service delivery across various clinical and community settings.

The curriculum is developed with specific learning objectives to ensure student engagement and professional success.

Why Therapeutic Recreation at University of Lethbridge?

The University of Lethbridge offers the first programme of its kind in Alberta and remains one of only eight degree programmes in Canada leading to professional certification. This distinction ensures that graduates are highly competitive in the healthcare sector and prepared for immediate entry into the workforce.

The institution provides diverse learning pathways, including an on-campus delivery model and a fully online option to suit different lifestyles. Both pathways prioritise student engagement and practical application, ensuring that all graduates meet the rigorous requirements for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation.

Facilities and teaching methods at the university are designed to support allied health education, focusing on individual strengths and values. The faculty emphasises purposeful interventions, preparing students to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams in various professional environments.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 22360 per year
• National fee: CAD 6557 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the core competencies required for professional practice in health and wellness. Modules may include:

• Processes and Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation
• Issues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation
• Administration in Therapeutic Recreation
• Practicum in Therapeutic Recreation

Careers with Therapeutic Recreation

Graduates from the University of Lethbridge are prepared for a wide range of roles within the healthcare and wellness industries. Many pursue careers as certified therapeutic recreation specialists, working in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or long-term care facilities to support patient recovery and mental health.

Other professional opportunities include roles as recreation managers, leisure educators, or health promoters. Graduates may also find employment as wellness coordinators, inclusion specialists, or recreation programmers, working with diverse populations to improve community health and individual quality of life through structured activity.

The programme's strong reputation ensures that alumni are well-positioned for leadership roles in the public and private sectors. By focusing on evidence-based practice, the degree enables graduates to influence health policy and develop innovative recreation programmes that address the evolving needs of society.