Therapeutic Recreation

While a two-year diploma is the minimum qualification to work in the field of recreation, particularly therapeutic recreation, a baccalaureate degree is quickly becoming the requested credential. Increasingly, employers in the health and wellness, social service and recreation sectors are requiring baccalaureate degree preparation. In recognition of this, Douglas College offers both a four-year degree and a two-year diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.

The underlying philosophy of the Therapeutic Recreation Program is the belief that leisure and recreation are essential parts of a healthy life. Further, we believe that health is promoted and enabled when recreation and leisure experiences are incorporated into one's lifestyle. Research has clearly shown that physical activity, stress reduction, good nutrition, mental stimulation and friendships are necessary to good health. Traditionally, therapeutic recreation has focused on using recreation activities and experiences to assist people with disabilities and illnesses to overcome barriers that prevent them from achieving a fulfilling, quality of life. Currently, therapeutic recreation is broader than that and includes services to people who have any barrier that may prevent them from achieving optimal health and a quality of life.

The Therapeutic Recreation Program prepares graduates to assess, plan, implement and evaluate a wide range of leisure services for children, adolescents, adults and older adults who experience a barrier to a healthy leisure lifestyle. Students learn how to work with individuals and groups to assess their needs and interests in order to facilitate meaningful recreation and leisure experiences with and for them. These services facilitate positive changes in clients to aid in achieving optimal health and well being through independent and personally fulfilling leisure lifestyles. The program stresses the application of theory with its model of classroom related courses which incorporate community experiences and assignments and practicum/preceptorship/service-learning placements.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Location

In September 2012, most CFCS programs are moving to the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Please check with your program for more details.

Program Duration and Delivery

Classes commence in September and continue for a total of four semesters full-time (60 credits) for the diploma and eight semesters full-time (121 credits) for the degree.

Most courses are offered in the Fall and Winter semesters; however, on occasion a course may be scheduled in the Summer semester. Some courses may be offered in a flexible delivery format including day, evening, institute style, weekend, or distance/on-line.  Practica are usually scheduled over a block of time with the hours dictated by the practicum agency.

Credentials

A Bachelor in Therapeutic Recreation (BTR) will be awarded upon successful completion of 121 Credits (all electives must be approved by the TR Faculty Advisors) as listed in the BTR program overview. Students who choose to complete the BTR also have the option to complete requirements for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Professional Certification Designation.

A Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation will be awarded upon successful completion of the first 60 Credits as listed in the TR Diploma program overview.

Intake Date/Application Deadline

**Application deadlines may be extended.

Applications must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by April 1 of each year. All programs commence in September at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. There is no January intake (except for past Douglas College TR Diploma Graduates.) Early application is recommended for all programs.

Full-time Year One Option:

Intake is limited to 30 full-time students per year which includes a combination of diploma and degree students.

Part-time Year One Option:

The Department welcomes part-time learners and encourages applications; however, new intake is limited to 4 students each year.

 Please note that some courses may only be offered in the day and others may only be offered in the evenings.  In recognition of this, the Department does try to use flexible delivery formats for some courses. While a student may be admitted to the program, course registration is dependent upon seat availability.

Admission from Other Institutions or Programs – Third Year Access – Non-Douglas College TR Diploma Graduates

Students may apply for equivalency for third year access in the BTR after successful completion of a diploma or degree in another field of study relating to Therapeutic Recreation.

The amount of transfer credit granted varies and may not equal 60 credits (2 years). All students will be required to take some courses in the first and second year of the program.

Admission into the program is limited. While a student may be admitted to the program, course registration is dependent upon seat availability.

Courses can be taken on a full or part-time basis.

Third Year Access – Douglas College TR Diploma Graduates

Application deadline is May 1 for a September intake and November 1 for a January intake.

Students may apply for equivalency for third year access in the BTR after successful completion of a Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or permission of the department.

While a student may be admitted to the program, course registration is dependent upon seat availability.

Courses can be taken on a full or part-time basis.

Admission Requirements-Year One

Admission to the Therapeutic Recreation Program is contingent upon availability of seats, meeting all the admission criteria and applicant ranking as determined by a process of preferential admission evaluation. The preferential admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Following this review, applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria and their demonstration of communication skills, motivation to enter the program and knowledge of the demands of the profession.

Early Admission

Therapeutic Recreation is now able to make offers of admission to full-time applicants prior to the April 1 deadline if a candidate has submitted all documents, meets minimum admission requirements, and scores at least 12.5 points in the preferential admission process. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply early and complete all admission requirements as quickly as possible.

Minimum Admission Requirements (Year One)

Due at time of application or no later than April 1:

1. Douglas College General Admission Requirements
2. Submit all relevant official secondary and post-secondary transcripts to the Registrar's Office.
3. Meets the English Language Proficiency requirement of English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or one of the acceptable substitutions

IMPORTANT NOTE: While a "C" grade in English 12 is needed for admission to the Therapeutic Recreation Program, all College-level English and Communications courses require a "B" in English 12 or an approved substitution.

This English prerequisite must be met before the student can register for any English or Communications courses. Students are required to take six credits of English/Communications courses to complete their degree; one course during year one and one course during year three. Students in the diploma program are required to take 3 credits of English in year one. Students are strongly advised to complete this prerequisite (“B” in English 12 or substitution) and submit the appropriate documentation as early as possible.

To make an appointment for testing please call:

• 604-527-5478 at the New Westminster or David Lam Campus

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the Registrar's Office has all of the supporting documentation needed to verify eligibility for any course. If you know that the Registrar's Office does not have your up-to-date LPI score, high school transcript or assessment result, submit this information to the Registrar's Office before you register for your courses. Also note that transcripts mailed to the Registrar's Office become part of your record and are no longer available to you or Faculty Advisors.

Due by April 1 (or earlier) document deadline:

1. Attendance at an Information Session is required for all new applicants. Out of town applicants must contact the Therapeutic Recreation Program Technician at 604-777-6318 or campbellh@douglas.bc.ca for instructions on meeting this requirement.
2. Successful completion of at least 45 hours of supervised work (paid or volunteer) in recreation services for people with disabilities or older adults within the year prior to the application date of April 1. A department-approved referee form will be provided for the supervisor to evaluate the applicant's work. This form will be provided after application to the TR program. Please see department website.
3. Write a Letter of Intent outlining the reasons a candidate has chosen this program, long and short-term goals, and strengths and limitations.
4. Submit an up-to-date resume.
5. Complete the Department Eligibility Form (provided by Douglas College after application to the TR program).
6. Complete an Informed Medical Suitability Declaration indicating satisfactory level of physical and emotional health (form provided by Douglas College).
7. Submit Preferential Admission Evidence – see below
8. A personal interview may be required. If an interview is required, it will occur after April 1 and the applicant will be notified.

Due once an offer of admission is made:

1. A Criminal Record Search (CRS) - This program requires students to train in an environment that demands individuals to provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current CRS for the protection of the clients. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit to a current CRS as a condition of entry to the program. Any CRS forms returned with a notation of a record will be reviewed by the Registrar to determine if there is any relevance to the program applied to. In these cases, final determination of admission rests with the Registrar. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the individual student.
2. A TB test - a negative TB test or Chest X-Ray done within the past two years.
3. A $350 tuition deposit for full-time students which will be applied towards your Fall tuition. 

Additional Information:

1. The program utilizes computer technology and it is therefore expected that students enter the program with basic word processing and Windows application skills.
2. Applicants found suitable for admission but not offered a seat in the program will need to reapply. Therefore, applicants not offered a seat will be required to maintain involvement in recent volunteer/work experience totaling 45 hours within the year prior to their re-application.

Preferential Admission Criteria - Year One – Full-time and Part-time applicants

Students are encouraged to apply early and submit documented evidence for the preferential admission criteria listed below. Applicants are recommended to contact the Therapeutic Recreation Program Technician or an Academic Advisor to ensure all admission criteria is clearly understood and documented.

Applicants are reminded they must first meet the minimum admission requirements as listed above and then they are ranked based on the preferential admission criteria. All documents supporting the preferential admission criteria are due by April 1 (or earlier). There is a maximum of 25 points available through this process. In the event that two or more applicants score the same, the date of application will be used to determine their final ranking.

1. Previous Formal Education Studies – Maximum 10 points

• Students may receive points in Section 1.1 or sections 1.2 and 1.3 to a maximum of 10 points
• Official transcripts must be submitted to the Registrar’s office to be considered except for Douglas College courses/credentials.

1.1 College/University Associate Degree/Diploma/Certificate

Students who have successfully completed previous credentials from a recognized and accredited institution will receive the following score:

a) Bachelor's Degree - 10 points
b) Associate Degree/Diploma - 8 points
c) Certificate/Citation - 5 points

and/or

1.2 University Transfer Courses

Students who have successfully completed any university transfer course(s) with a minimum grade of "C" will receive 1 point for each course up to a maximum of 5 courses.

and/or

1.3 High School Courses

Students who have successfully completed high school courses with a minimum grade of a "C" (exception is *English 12 - see below) in the following subject areas will receive 1 point for each course up to a maximum of 5 courses:

• Human Service 11 or 12
• Biology 11 and 12
• Math 12
• Social Studies/Science 12 course other than Biology e.g. Physics 12 or Geography 12
• Psychology 11 or 12
• Fine Arts or Music 11 or 12
• Physical Education 11 or 12
• Leadership 11 or 12
• English 12 - *with a minimum grade of "A"
• Drama 11 or 12
• Visual Arts 11 or 12
• Peer Tutoring 11 or 12

2. Previous Continuing Education Studies

Maximum Points Given = 5

Students who have taken workshops or CE courses in recreation, social service or health-related areas will receive up to 5 points. Examples include:

• First Aid/CPR = 1 point
• FoodSafe or Serve It Right = 1 point
• CE courses or workshops offered through professional associations or advocacy groups = 1 point for each

3. Volunteer and/or Related Work Experience

Maximum Points Given = 5

Students who have volunteer or work experience beyond the required 45 hours in a recreation-related field will receive the following scores:

100 - 249 hours =	1pt
250 - 499 hours =	2pts
500 - 749 hours =	3pts
750 - 999 hours =	4pts
1000 + hours =	5pts

* A completed Supervised Volunteer/Work Reference form is required for additional points

4. Accomplishments
   Maximum Points Given = 5

Students who have accomplishments related to working in groups or have been on teams or school organizations. For example: conference event coordinator, volunteer executive position in an association, team sports, peer tutoring, peer counseling, etc.

Each accomplishment needs to be supported by evidence which may include a letter by an individual representing the group or organization who conferred the award or who was directly involved in your accomplishment. Examples: coach, teacher, principal, volunteer coordinator. Letters from family and friends are not suitable. Copies of certificates, letters of recognition, where applicable, should also be included.

Admission Requirements – Third Year Access

Third-year access refers to students who have a diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation or another related field of study. These students are granted permission to access third year courses; however, they will likely be required to take some first-and second-year courses to meet the degree and certification requirements.

Admission from Douglas College - Third Year Access – Douglas College TR Diploma Graduates

• Re-application to Douglas college – TR Bachelor Degree – 3rd year
• Submit a Letter of Intent that outlines reasons for choosing this program, short-and long-term goals and strengths and limitations as a candidate.
• Complete an Informed Medical Suitability Declaration Form (supplied by TR Department after application)
• Complete and submit a recent Criminal Record Search
• Participate in an interview (may be required)

• Applicants who graduated more than 5 years previously must also submit a Referee Form completed by their current employer (supplied by TR Department). The form must come directly from the employer to Douglas College.

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements and are not automatically guaranteed a seat in the program. Admission will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Depending upon year of graduation, students with a diploma in TR from Douglas College will receive 56 – 60 transfer credits towards their degree and may be required to take some first-and second-year courses to complete the BTR.

Admission From Other Institutions - Third Year Access – Non-Douglas College TR Diploma Graduates  

• Apply to Douglas College and meet the General Admission Requirements
• Prospective students must hold a minimum grad of C (60%) in individual courses
• Submit a Letter of Intent that outlines reasons for choosing this program, short-and long-term goals and strengths and limitations as a candidate.
• Complete an Informed Medical Suitability Declaration Form (supplied by TR Department after application)
• Complete and submit a recent Criminal Record Search
• Provide proof of credential – submission of transcripts
• Participate in an interview (may be required)

• Applicants who graduated more than 5 years previously must also submit a Referee Form completed by their current employer (supplied by TR Department). The form must come directly from the employer to Douglas College.

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements and are not automatically guaranteed a seat in the program. Admission will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Students will be required to take some first-and second-year courses to complete the BTR. Completion of the BTR should be expected to take at least two-and-a-half years of full-time study. This will depend on the amount of transfer credits applicable to the BTR.

Transfer Credit Requests

Transfer credit is not automatically granted. Students must request transfer credit with their Application for Admission by submitting their official transcript along with a Transfer Credit Request Form.

Students are strongly recommended to request transfer credit at least four months in advance of the first semester of attendance. Requests for evaluation of credit received after this time may not be processed in time for registration.

Residency Requirement

Douglas College requires that a minimum of 25% of the credits for any credential (diploma or degree) must come from courses taken at the credentialing host institution (Douglas College). In the Case of the BTR, the 25% must be in upper level credits taken at Douglas College.

Program Content – Note:  All THRT courses are taught at the David Lam Campus

Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Requirements

• Completion of 60 credits of required courses
• Completion of 61 credits of required courses (effective June 2012 graduation).

TR Diploma Overview

* There are no elective options in the Diploma.
** THRT 2408 changes to 3 credits effective Winter 2012.

Note: Any student who started the Therapeutic Recreation Diploma prior to September 2006 and has not completed graduation requirements must contact a Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator prior to continuing studies in Therapeutic Recreation.

Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (BTR) Degree Requirements

• Minimum of 121 credits
• 45 credits must be upper level course credits, i.e. courses numbered 3000 or higher
• 36 credits must be from outside the TR department

BTR Program Overview

**All electives must be approved and fit with the student’s identified Support Areas. Elective courses must connect to the student's two identified support areas and be approved by the TR Faculty Advisors.

NOTE: Upcoming Course Changes Effective:

Fall 2012

• THRT 2308 will become a required course, therefore degree students will complete an additional 3 credits of approved electives in their first 2 years
• THRT 4901 will increase to 3 C course and will be available as an elective

Winter 2013

• THRT 4704 will increase to 3 C course

Fall 2013

• THRT 4901 will become a required course

SUPPORT AREAS

*Degree students choose a minimum of two support areas, approved by a TR Faculty Advisor. Support areas provide an increased depth of knowledge in addition to the required TR courses.

Support Areas

Degree students must select Open Electives (27 credits)

The open elective courses a student takes will depend on specialty interest courses and the two support areas selected. In choosing elective courses, students must select courses from a minimum of two (2) support areas. These support areas will guide elective course selection as well as practicum site placement (THRT 2455 & 4855).

1. Gerontology
2. Physical Rehabilitation
3. Mental Health
4. Corrections/Criminology
5. Children and Youth
6. Adapted and Adventure Programming
7. Entrepreneurship/Business Management
8. Employee/Workplace Wellness

Students will review a listing of recommended courses for each of the eight support areas. These course recommendations are meant to assist students in choosing the best courses in each of the support areas. As more courses become available these will be added to the list. Students may consider courses from other educational institutions. Please meet with your TR Faculty Advisor prior to registering in any elective courses to ensure the course is acceptable for graduation.

Possible Elective Courses for Degree

The following elective course is required for NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THERAPEUTIC RECREATION CERTIFICATION (NCTRC):

Course	Title	Credits
PSYC 2341	Abnormal Psychology	3
THRT 2308	Older Adulthood: Psychosocial Issues and Interventions	3
* Will become a required course beginning Fall 2012
THRT 4901	Advanced Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation and Health Promotion	3
* Will become a required course beginning Fall 2013
CFCS 4905	Wellness Coaching	3