This program allows graduates to make a real, positive difference in the lives of people facing disabilities, injuries, social isolation and other challenges with a career in the field of recreational therapy. Help children, adolescents, adults and seniors improve their overall health and well-being and live full, independent lives through fun and leisure activities. Recreation therapists work in the fields of gerontology, paedology, psychology, rehabilitation and more in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental-health centres, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centres and social-service settings. Graduates will be eligible to write the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Attendance at an Information Session is strongly recommended. 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 Letter of Intent outlining the reasons a candidate has chosen this program, long and short-term goals, and strengths and limitations. An up-to-date resume - highly recommended. Department Eligibility Form. Informed Medical Suitability Declaration indicating satisfactory level of physical and emotional health after application to the Therapeutic Recreation Program. A personal interview may be required. If an interview is required, it will occur after April 1 and the applicant will be notified. NOTE: Applicants who have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits must be in good academic standing (with a minimum GPA of 1.5) for admission to any CFCS program. Due once an offer of admission is made: A Criminal Record Check - Applicants will receive instructions from the Registrar's Office once an offer of admission has been made. A TB test - a negative TB test or Chest X-Ray done within the past two years. There is also a list of preferential admissions on the website. General requirements: All applicants for admission to the College must satisfy at least ONE of the following criteria: BC secondary school graduation (or the equivalent in another school system); One course short of BC secondary school graduation; 19 years old by the end of the first month of the first semester of attendance; 17 years old on the first day of the first semester of attendance and has not been in school for at least one year; Completion of a certificate or equivalent from a special needs program and has been in school for 12 years. English Proficiency Requirement. All applicants to the College must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing proof of ONE of the following: Douglas College English Assessment; LPI - minimum essay score 4; TOEFL iBT - minimum score 83; IELTS - minimum overall band test score 6.5 (academic module only); EIKEN Practical English - minimum placement of Grade 1; CAEL - minimum overall and essay score of 60 (computer or paper based); Cambridge English CAE- minimum score 75 or "B"; Cambridge English CPE - minimum score 60 or "C"; Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 in each of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - minimum score of 56. Language School Pathway Options: Completion of the Advanced Level of the University Preparation program at EC English Language Centers (ECAD); Completion of Level A2 of the University Pathway program at Int’l Language School of Canada (ILSC); Completion of Level 16 (Pathway 3.3) of the Academic pathway program at Int’l Language Academy of Canada (ILAC); Completion of highest level course ELS level 112 with ELS Language School; Completion of VGC International College Advanced University Preparation course level 7 with 75% or higher; Completion of Kaplan International Centres Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level C1. The full list of extra requirements is on the web-site. Note: Students who do not meet any of the above requirements may apply for admission as a "special student”. Students are urged to discuss their situation with the Registrar and/or a College counselor.