Therapeutic Recreation

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View details

• A current, official Criminal Record check and Vulnerable Sector check are required to complete work placements in this program. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements. Inability to obtain a work placement will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Health and Human Services programs require immunizations and completion of First Aid/CPR. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements.
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete. Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement.
• Portfolio Development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that tuition values on these pages are for 2019/20 and are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Therapeutic Recreation - Year 1
• Therapeutic Recreation - Year 2

• Field experience (work placement) is a mandatory credit course completed at the end, or throughout the duration, of your program. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
• You participate in work placements in public and/or private settings within the province.
• You're not guaranteed placements of your choice.
• Some evening and/or weekend shifts may be required.
• Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work placements are your responsibility.
• For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities.

• Graduates may find employment in a variety of settings, with individuals of various ages and abilities.
• Work environments can include long-term care, assisted living, residential care, community centres, youth-oriented recreation programs, wellness centres/programs, group homes, adult day programs, rehabilitation centres and health districts.

• NSCC offers the only diploma program of this kind in Nova Scotia, giving you the skills to start a rewarding career in this field.
• You get hands-on, practical learning, where you apply your skills and knowledge to real projects and work experiences.
• During the two-year program, you connect with professionals working in the field and immerse yourself in the therapeutic recreation community. You also have opportunities to attend local conferences with national and international presenters.
• Our faculty members have a range of academic and professional backgrounds, with years of experience in their specific fields.
• Small class sizes enable you to be very involved in your learning.
• This program provides structured volunteer and service learning experiences, in addition to your clinical placement. Together, these placements provide you with over 500 hours of practical experience.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more

• Many employers in this sector require one – or all – of the following: current, official Criminal Record check, Vulnerable Sector check and/or Child Abuse Register search.
• A conviction or finding in Family Court may impact your ability to secure employment.
• This program is not always offered at the same location each year. Check program locations for upcoming start dates.