Human Services: Therapeutic Recreation - Diploma

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Program Overview

Location(s):
  • Distance Learning
  • SIAST Kelsey Campus, Saskatoon
Length: 68 weeks: 
Year 1 - 34 weeks; Year 2 - 34 weeks

Overview

Therapeutic Recreation is a diploma program. Therapeutic recreation (TR) uses recreation and leisure as a modality to facilitate independent functioning and enhance quality of life. The program prepares you to meet the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of individuals with a diverse range of impairments. Graduates will work with other health care professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment team.

To achieve this goal, TR professionals begin with an assessment of the client's needs, functional abilities and leisure behaviours. Based on the results of this assessment, an individualized treatment plan is developed and implemented. Client progress is then evaluated and documented. The program includes three separate practicum experiences that will allow you to apply your developing knowledge, skills and abilities in a variety of practical settings.

You will learn how to:

  • apply the TR process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation
  • document client progress
  • use a variety of facilitation techniques to meet individual client goals
  • practice therapeutic recreation based on acknowledged professional standards
  • modify and adapt activities for individuals with a variety of impairments and barriers
  • participate as a member of a health care team
A number of TR organizations exist in Canada, at the provincial and national level, to help further the profession. These organizations have led to the development of a code of ethics and standards of practice for the profession. Currently, they are developing a framework for registration and certification.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for entry-level practice in clinical and community-based settings. Specifically, you may find work in long term care, adult day programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health agencies, addiction services and community agencies.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): September:
There is an intake to this program every second year (odd numbered years only).

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Admission Information

Admission Requirements

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

  • 60 Arithmetic
  • 75 Reading
  • 75 Sentence
  • 4 WritePlacer

Post-Secondary Success

One year post-secondary studies

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Factsheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.


Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

 

Courses

Year 1

CodeCourse Name/DescriptionCredits
APHY 189

Anatomy and Physiology

The course introduces you to the study of the human body and how it functions efficiently. The content you will study is of critical importance for the promotion and maintenance of health.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 188, APHY 282, NURS 111

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
COMP 171

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Your studies will introduce you to basic word processing skills such as creating, editing and formatting documents, building tables, using templates and applying styles.


Credit Units: 1

Other Hours: 15

Equivalent Course(s): CKEY 187, COAP 196, COAP 343, COMP 120, COMP 154

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard, Work Based Delivery

1
COMP 174

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 1

You will study the basic features of Excel. You will learn to format spreadsheet elements, create simple charts and use simple formulas and functions.


Credit Units: 1

Other Hours: 15

Equivalent Course(s): COAP 138, COAP 197, COAP 344, COMP 120

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard, Work Based Delivery

1
COMP 179

Introduction to PowerPoint

You will receive instruction and practice in creating, modifying and delivering a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint. You will enhance the presentation by adding charts, tables, visual elements, multimedia, transition effects and animations. You will study how to present, distribute and customize presentations.


Credit Units: 1

Other Hours: 15

Equivalent Course(s): COAP 138, COMP 120, COMP 173

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Web CT/Blackboard

1
EMPL 180

Employability Skills

You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed for the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies. Emphasis will be placed on communicating a professional image.


Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 40

Equivalent Course(s): COM 103, COMM 292

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard

3
HUMD 181

Lifespan Development A

Your studies will focus on the period from conception to pre-adolescence. You will receive information about the effect of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, and the methods of studying human behaviour.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Equivalent Course(s):

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Work Based Delivery

3
HUMD 280

Lifespan Development B

You will examine adolescence and adulthood. This includes the physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes of youth, middle age, and later life. You will also explore current research about death and dying.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Prerequisites(s): HUMD 181

Equivalent Course(s): ECD 227, PSYC 185

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Televised/SCN, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Web CT/Blackboard

3
HUMR 186

Interpersonal Skills

You will be introduced to the importance of interpersonal skills in the human services professions. You will develop effective listening and speaking behaviors that facilitate client interactions.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 291, COMM 295, NEPS 114, NURS 114

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
MTER 180

Medical Terminology

You will learn to use the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn to use medical abbreviations.


Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 10

Equivalent Course(s): MED 161

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

1
PRAC 177

Practicum 1

The course provides an opportunity for you to apply knowledge and principles learned in the program. You will develop interpersonal skills, leadership skills and leadership techniques, explore how the agency meets the needs of its clientele and plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.


Credit Units: 9

Other Hours: 128

Prerequisites(s): EMPL 180, HUMR 186, THRC 182, THRC 183, THRC 184, THRC 187, THRC 285

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum

9
PSYC 188

Psychology A

The course provides an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. The course content includes psychology as a discipline, neuroscience and behavior, learning, memory, motivation, stress and stressors.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Equivalent Course(s): PSYC 184

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
PSYC 189

Psychology B

The course is a continuation of the scientific examination of human behavior introduced in PSYC 188 (Psychology A).The course content includes personality, abnormal psychology, theories of emotional disturbance, treating emotional disturbance and altered states of consciousness.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 182

Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation

Your studies will focus on introducing the basic concepts necessary for formulating a philosophical and theoretical foundation in therapeutic recreation. You will explore the definitions, terms and concepts used in the field, the philosophy behind the profession, the history and development of the profession and current service delivery models.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 60

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

4
THRC 183

Therapeutic Recreation and Selected Populations 1

The course provides an overview of the current practices and procedures of therapeutic recreation when working with individuals with physical and cognitive disorders. The etiology, symptoms and characteristics of a number of common physical and cognitive disorders will be examined. You will then explore the impact that these disorders have on the individual and the role of therapeutic recreation services in supporting individuals.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 184

Therapeutic Recreation Process

The course focuses on the principles and procedures of the therapeutic recreation process. You will examine the various responsibilities that the therapeutic recreation professional has in providing accountable, client-based service. Client assessment, individual and group program planning, activity analysis, adaptation, protocols, documentation and evaluation will all be examined in terms of their importance in developing therapeutic recreation programs.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): THRC 182

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

4
THRC 187

Orientation to Therapeutic Recreation

Your studies will help you develop an understanding of the diversity of the field of therapeutic recreation. You will focus on understanding the agency, the needs of the client population and the role of therapeutic recreation in supporting diverse individuals. The specific skills needed to work in this field will also be examined. The course will prepare you for later practicums and course work and help you confirm your career choice.


Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 45

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 188

Research and Evaluation

The course examines the research process, types of research, data collection, basic statistical analysis and outcome and efficacy studies. Needs and issues specific to conducting research related to therapeutic recreation will be explored.


Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 45

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 285

Inclusive Leisure Services

You will develop an understanding of the importance of inclusive leisure services. You will also learn strategies to help facilitate meaningful leisure participation by all individuals.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 60

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

4
THRC 289

Therapeutic Recreation and Aging

You will explore the relationship between leisure and aging and how to apply current therapeutic recreation practices and procedures to supporting older adults in a variety of settings. The myths and realities of aging and the impact of retirement, our health care system and service delivery on older adults will be examined.


Credit Units: 4

Other Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): HUMD 280

Equivalent Course(s): REC 288, THRC 185

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group

4

Year 2

CodeCourse Name/DescriptionCredits
PRAC 280

Practicum 2

You will integrate the knowledge and experience you gained from course work and practical experience. You will apply client assessment techniques, activity analysis and selection, and individual and group program-planning skills. You will also continue to develop your professional skills.


Credit Units: 13

Lab Hours: 194

Prerequisites(s): APHY 189, COMP 171, COMP 173, COMP 174, HUMD 280, MTER 180, PRAC 177, PSYC 188, PSYC 189, THRC 188, THRC 281, THRC 284, THRC 289

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum

13
PRAC 281

Practicum 3

You will continue to develop your ability to assess clients, design, implement and analyze therapeutic recreation programs and apply effective leadership and professional skills. You will also examine the administrative practices of a therapeutic recreation service and conduct an inservice related to the role of therapeutic recreation.


Credit Units: 17

Other Hours: 250

Prerequisites(s): PRAC 280, SOCI 185, THRC 189, THRC 283, THRC 286, THRC 290, THRC 291

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum

17
SOCI 184

Sociology A

The course provides an introduction to the sociological perspective and addresses the study of people as social beings. You will examine socialization processes, social stratification and social deviance.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 160

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
SOCI 185

Sociology B

Building on what you learned in SOCI 184, you will study the process of sociological analysis and its importance to the human services professions. You will examine issues facing mainstream and marginalized people in Canada.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 40

Prerequisites(s): SOCI 184

Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 260, SOCI 282

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 189

Therapeutic Recreation for Children and Youth

The course provides an overview of the current practices and procedures of therapeutic recreation when working with individuals with children and youth. The etiology, symptoms and characteristics of a number of common childhood-related and youth-related populations will be examined. You will then explore the role of therapeutic recreation services in supporting these individuals in a variety of settings.


Credit Units: 2

Other Hours: 30

Equivalent Course(s): THRC 186

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group

2
THRC 281

Therapeutic Recreation Assessment

Your studies will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the process and components of assessment in therapeutic recreation. You will review, analyze and apply a variety of therapeutic recreation assessment tools and techniques.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): THRC 184

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

4
THRC 283

Therapeutic Recreation and Selected Populations 2

The course provides an overview of the current practices and procedures of therapeutic recreation when working with individuals with mental illness, addiction and social deviancy. The etiology, symptoms and characteristics of these populations will be examined. You will then explore the impact that these disorders have on the individual and the role of therapeutic recreation services in supporting individuals.


Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 284

Leisure Education

You will explore the role of leisure education in assisting individuals in leading a fulfilling leisure lifestyle. Philosophical consideration models and facilitation techniques common to leisure education will be examined. You will have the opportunity to apply this theory by developing leisure education sessions.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): THRC 182

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

4
THRC 286

T.R. Program Management

The course focuses on the principles of program management and how they relate to delivering therapeutic recreation services. You will examine advanced program planning, department policies and procedures, and fiscal, personnel and volunteer management as they relate to the therapeutic recreation process.


Credit Units: 4

Lecture Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): THRC 184

Learning Method(s): Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group

4
THRC 290

Issues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation

Your studies will help you advance your knowledge of trends and issues that influence the provision of therapeutic recreation services. You will examine your role in advancing the profession of therapeutic recreation.


Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 45

Prerequisites(s): PRAC 177

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group

3
THRC 291

Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation

You will examine a number of techniques and activity-based therapies that therapeutic recreation professionals may employ. You will explore your role in utilizing these techniques and interventions as part of a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program.


Credit Units: 4

Other Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): THRC 184

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group

4

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SIAST is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training, recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise and innovation. Through program and course registrations, SIAST serves 26,000 distinct students with programs that touch every sector of the economy. SIAST operates campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and provides a number of courses and programs through distance education.

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