Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate (Part-Time)

Recreation Therapy Aides support the efforts of Recreation Therapists in enhancing the quality of life for clients. They work to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients in a variety of settings including hospitals and assisted living homes by implementing activities such as sports, dance, board games, music or crafts.

This part-time certificate is designed for currently employed Health Care Aides looking to boost their employability. This program includes online learning, on-campus workshops, and a work experience component.

The program begins every fall semester and involves 4 months of blended learning followed by 4 weeks of practicum for a total of 5 months. The blended portion combines online learning with on-campus workshops that are held approximately twice per month.

The Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate program builds on the skill-set of the Health Care Aide. Applicants must currently be working in a care-giving role in the health care field.

Practicum Placement

Students will be required to travel to various locations in order to complete their practicum placement. Every effort is made to accommodate students in practicum placements within the time frame of the program, however in rare instances the college may need to delay the date of completion until a practicum placement can be arranged. Practicum shifts may include evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Tuition

Domestic tuition for this certificate program is approximately $1340. Tuition is listed “per course” on the Course Tuitions Fee Chart. Additional expenses will include the textbook (Long Term Care for Activity Professionals and Recreational Therapists) and police information check fees. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for advice on financing your education.

Courses in Program

Course	Credits	Hours
Observing, Reporting, Documentation (HHC0075)	1	15
Common Conditions and Client Groups (HHC0076)	2	30
Wellness Through Leisure (HHC0077)	2	30
Recreational Programming and Implementation 1 (HHC0078)	2	30
Recreation Programming and Implementation 2 (HHC0079)	2	30
Recreation Therapy Aide Practicum (HHC0080)	2	135
Recreational Therapy Therapeutic Communication (HHC0081)	1	15
Role of the Therapy Aide (HHC0082)	1	15

 

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Admission requirements

Academic Requirements

• Successful completion of a recognized Health Care Aide Certificate Program or equivalent

AND

• Current employment in the Health Care field (please submit documentation from your employer)

Pre-Program Requirement

• Current Police Information Check (PIC) with a vulnerable sector search must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date in order to maintain a seat in the program.  The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent practicum placement or professional registration. Updated PICs must be submitted every 6 months.

Pre-Practicum Requirements

• Immunization Requirements must be met one month prior to first practicum placement.  Detailed instructions will be provided to successful applicants in acceptance package.
• A current CPR Healthcare Provider Level Certificate is recommended and often required by employers.