Recreation therapy aides support the efforts of recreation therapists in enhancing the quality of life for clients. You will work to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients in a variety of settings, including hospitals and assisted living homes, by implementing activities such as games, music, dance, and crafts.
This certificate is designed for those with work experience or education in health or human services looking to increase their employment opportunities.
This full-time program starts with four months of online study which includes self-directed study and scheduled weekly evening classes along with two longer Saturday sessions. At the end of the program, students complete five weeks of practicum (a total of 150 hours) at a placement location arranged by Bow Valley College. Students should ensure they are able to commit to full time hours during the practicum period in order to meet this program requirement.
Depending on availability, students may be able to complete their practicum placement in their own town. However, you may be required to travel to other locations in order to complete your practicum placement. Every effort is made to accommodate learners in practicum placements within the time frame of the program. In rare instances, there may be a delay in program completion until a practicum placement can be arranged.
You will be required to travel to various locations to complete your work integrated learning placements. It is each student's responsibility to arrange travel to their clinical and/or practicum sites; placements may be outside the City of Calgary as well as in any area of Calgary. Every effort is made to schedule students for Work Integrated Learning placements within the time frame of the program. In rare instances there may be a delay in program completion until a Work Integrated Learning placement can be arranged.
Work Integrated Learning placements may include day shifts, evening shifts, night shifts, and/or weekend shifts. Shifts are determined by the placement sites and not the College.
Program availability and start dates are subject to change. Admission is based on first applied, first qualified.
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If English is not your first language, please review the English language proficiency requirements.
Missing a required admission criteria? Complete academic upgrading before applying.
If you studied outside of Alberta, you can see which of your courses is equivalent to an admission requirement.
International Students:
Check whether your previous studies completed outside Canada meet the admission requirements using our country-specific document list found in step 2.
Basic Life Support CPR course is recommended and often required by employers
If you live in the service area surrounding Calgary and want to take a course, visit our Regional Stewardship page.
Estimated total tuition:
Estimated total tuition:
Not all delivery modes are available for all courses or programs, and not all courses are available each term. Students should follow up on their individual program areas or their MyBVC for information for courses delivery types and availability.
Delivery modes, descriptions, and availability of courses each term are subject to change.
Through the School of Health and Wellness, it’s possible.
In just two years, you could become a Licensed Practical Nurse, Pharmacy Technician, Health Care Aide, and more.
Together, we can make it happen.
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
+1 403-410-1400
1-866-428-2669 (toll free)
