If you are interested in assisting people and helping them live a better life, then a therapeutic recreation activity assistant diploma can be a very good choice for you. We have compiled five questions that people often ask about the programs in therapeutic recreation activity assistants to help you understand this field.
Is Therapeutic Recreation Program Right For Me?
As a student, it is always better to do some research about the field of study and the college you are going to choose. It is better to carefully go through the websites of the colleges and try to talk to the college’s admissions team for details. However, the most suitable way is to visit the college, and meet the program coordinator of the specific program. This also provides you a very good opportunity to interact with the current students or those who have already passed out from the respective program. You can prioritize asking questions like: Is the program recognized, will the college place you somewhere for a practicum, and will the college help you in finding a job after the completion of the program, etc.
If you happen to be in British Columbia, then you can look into Edison College’s therapeutic recreation assistant program. This 6-month hybrid program teaches its students the abilities needed to organize, carry out activities, and oversee individuals and groups who need different kinds of care. In addition to gaining practical experience through supervised practicum, students will learn how to organize and carry out supervised activities for senior citizens with cognitive and physical limitations. Students in this program will gain knowledge on how to improve their customers’ quality of life by engaging in recreational activities. Students will graduate from the program ready to work in a range of care environments, and with a diverse range of clientele.
What Therapeutic Recreation Assistants Do?
Therapeutic recreation assistants help their patients by engaging them in arts and crafts, music, dance, theater, sports, swimming, mobility, and outings in the community, etc. As a therapeutic recreation assistant, one has to design a plan to lessen physical symptoms, tension, anxiety, and depression as well as promote the recovery of a patient. They also assist persons who are socially isolated due to illness or physical handicap in reintegrating into society; these circumstances can undermine confidence and heighten worry. Some therapeutic recreation assistants work with patients who have similar requirements in groups to promote socializing. Additionally, they could collaborate with families to guarantee that their loved ones receive the right kind of support.
Is Therapeutic Recreation A Regulated Profession?
No, this is not a regulated profession in Canada, unlike some other health professions like nursing, etc. It is up to the employers to set the criteria for hiring recreation therapy professionals. It mainly depends whether you have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a university in therapeutic recreation, a 2-year college diploma, or a one-year or 6-month diploma. One of the ways to get up-to-date information is to directly contact the college and ask about the duration of the program and other such details that are mentioned above.
How Are Therapeutic Recreation Programs Different From Other Programs Such As The Community Support Worker?
The therapeutic recreation programs are different from other programs, such as the community support worker programs, due to some minor differences in the curriculum. However, therapeutic recreational assistants and community support workers do work in similar areas, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, clinics, and other such workplaces. Therapeutic recreational assistants usually work with people who need help with physical exercises such as board sports and other outdoor activities, games, puzzles, dance and drama, cooking, etc. Whereas, community support workers usually work with drug-related issues in youth and teenagers, homeless people, abuse and mental health problems, etc.
Which Kind of Jobs Will I Be Eligible For After Graduating?
People with therapeutic recreation qualifications have a diverse kind of career opportunities, such as hospitals, retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, community-based agencies, etc. However, since this profession is unregulated, it is mainly up to the employers to decide what level of education they require for the specific job. Therefore, we can safely say that there is no one standard that is followed by all employers in Canada. There are some positions where employers only hire those who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, while for other positions employers specifically require people with a diploma.
Conclusion
Therapeutic recreation activities can completely transform lives. It is an extremely effective kind of treatment for those who are struggling with emotional, mental, or physical health problems. If you are looking for a career where you can make a meaningful change in the lives of people and continuously challenge yourself, then a career in therapeutic recreation will be a great choice.
Join The Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant Program at Edison College
Edison College offers a 6-month diploma in the therapeutic recreation activity program. This hybrid recreation aide course also has a 6-week practicum in Victoria, British Columbia. The program participants will receive practical experience through practicum and learn how to handle supervised activities for people who need help, and those who have cognitive and physical challenges, etc. In this program, students will learn how to improve the quality of life of their patients through different recreational activities such as sports and other physical activities, etc. If you have questions or concerns or you need career guidance, then you can contact us today to learn more about any of these programs.
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