Program Outline

Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

Brief Program Description The Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program focuses on the
knowledge and skills required to plan, implement and
evaluate individuals or groups in therapeutic recreation and social
activities. Program participants will learn to plan and implement
supervised activities for older adults with cognitive and physical
impairments and gain hands-on experience with supervised
practicum experience.

In this program, students will learn how to enhance their clients'

quality of life through leisure activities. The program will prepare
students to work with a variety of client groups in different care
settings.

Career Opportunities: Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to work in any of the
following health care areas:
• Long-Term Care Facilities

• Assisted Living Facilities

• Group Homes

• Adult Day Care Centers

Graduates may also be identified by the following titles:

• Activity aide

• Activity worker

• Activity assistant

• Care/activity aide

• Activity leader

• Recreation aide

• Recreation assistant

• Recreation worker

Admission Requirements: • High School Graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years
or older prior to starting the program)
• Meet one of the following English Language Proficiency
requirements:
o Minimum Grade 10 English (Domestic Students)
 o Overall IELTS 5, OR CLB Level 5, OR Duolingo
score of 75-80, OR VCA test score of 55/100

Learning Objectives • Recognize and respond to self-development,

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be
learning and health enhancement needs.
able to:

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Program Outline
Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

Method(s) of Evaluation Practicum Requirements • Support residents as they learn new techniques
which are adapted to encourage participation
• Maintain or improve resident’s abilities, and
reports problems and/or changes to supervisor

Assessments or evaluations, for grading, will consist

of practical and theory exams, written assignments
and presentations. Final Course grades are
provided as percentages.

A final grade of 70% is required to pass each course:

unless otherwise indicated on a Course Outline.
• Develop communication techniques that
Evaluation of the students will be based on:
demonstrate personal awareness, respect and
active listening skills. • Perform the care provider • Class participation (Group Discussion &
role in a reflective, responsible, accountable and Attendance) • Projects: Activities and presentations
professional manner
• Under direction, assist and lead small group leisure • Quizzes and Exams and
activities Practicum Evaluation
• Successful completion of all theory courses
o Diphtheria
o Tetanus
• Students must have documented proof for the o Pertussis
following Immunizations or Vaccinations: o Polio
o Measles
o Mumps
o Rubella
o Chicken Pox
o Hepatitis B
o Influenza
o COVID-19

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Program Outline
Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

• Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal

Records Review Act)

Graduation Requirements - Successfully pass all theory courses and certifications - Successfully
complete the practicum component

Program Duration Total scheduled Program length is 462 hours (theory 372+ practicum 90)
which can be completed in 23 weeks

Homework Hours 2 to 10 Hours a week, depending upon the course

Delivery Method(s) The TRAA program will be delivered in English language through Combined
delivery method that includes both in-class sessions
and distance learning through the approved online platform.

Course materials Textbooks may be provided in either electronic or hard copy format.

Program Organization
Course Name Hours

Interpersonal Communication 60

Person Centered Care 40

Introduction to Practice 40
 Practical Approach to Dementia 60

Lifestyle and Leisure Education 60

Basic Program Facilitation 60

Certificate - Food safe Level 1 8

Certificate - Standard First Aid with CPR Level C 16

Certificate - Provincial Violence Prevention 8

Career and Employment Strategies 20

Work Experience (Unpaid Practicum) 90

Total Duration 462

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Program Outline
Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

Program Delivery All the courses may not be delivered in the same sequence they are listed in this
outline. The program will employ lectures,
projects, group activities, research, and certifications.

For all online courses Edison College Canada will be using Google
Classroom (access to be provided by ECC). To effectively
participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet
access and meet these device requirements:

• Microsoft Windows 10 or macOS 10.14 (or higher) with

Parallels software
• 7th Generation Intel Core i3 processor (or newer)

• Minimum 8GB memory

• Webcam functionality

• Audio capability (speakers and a quality

 headset/microphone)
• Intel HD integrated graphics or equivalent

• 256 GB HD or greater (SSD highly recommended)

• Wireless Network adapter supporting IEEE 802.11g/n/ac

• 13" screen or greater (recommended resolution

1920x1080)
• Virus protection software recommended

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