Bachelor in Therapeutic Recreation
Increasingly employers in the health and wellness, social service and recreation sectors are requiring baccalaureate degree preparation. A Bachelor in Therapeutic Recreation (BTR) will be awarded upon successful completion of the 8 semesters of the program. Students who choose to complete the Bachelor in TR Degree also have the option to complete requirements for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Professional Certification Designation.
Graduates work in various health, social service and recreation agencies including hospitals, long-term care facilities for older adults, youth assessment centres, rehabilitation settings, group homes, mental health settings, adult day centres, rehabilitation centres, correctional facilities, municipal recreation centres and agencies working with people with developmental disabilities. They may also provide employee wellness programs, and/or become entrepreneurs.
The positions they hold vary; common examples include:
- Recreation Therapist Positions
- Clinical Practice Resource Leaders
- Adventure Program Developers/Leaders
- Department Directors
- Community Development Positions
- Employee/Workplace Wellness Coordinators
- Community Recreation Managers
- Program Coordinator Positions
- Community Health Development
- Supervisory Positions
- Entrepreneurial
The salary range is quite wide and depends on the setting and type of work you choose to do. Health care settings tend to pay more than residential settings and much will depend on whether your setting is unionized and to which union you belong. The average starting salary for a degree graduate is approximately $25/hour, ranging from $18 - $30/hour. Degree graduates are also more likely to advance over time, to positions that pay more.