Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (DTR)

Starts in September

PGWP-eligible Program

Campus

King

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

8 Semesters (4 Years)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Honours Bachelor Degree

School

School of Health Sciences

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in four formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to choose your preferred options when you select classes to build your course schedule. Selection for preferred course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

International students: The impact of studying from outside of Canada and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ENG106	Writing Strategies	Online	Not offered	Online In-person
	This course focuses on critical thinking and the rhetorical elements of both persuasive and evaluative forms of writing. Students will learn to differentiate between shades of fact and opinion, objectivity and bias, and apply the techniques of sound argument for a variety of purposes. The main elements of effective communication and research techniques are also examined. Techniques explored and skills developed in this course are applied throughout the four years of the program.
HSC103	Anatomy and Physiology	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This course explores the structure and function of the human body with an introduction to surface anatomy, cells, tissues, metabolism, nutrition, and body systems. Topics include the integumentary, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Scenarios and case studies will be used to prepare students for the study of disease progression and health condition management
LSO260	Principles of Psychology	Flexible Online	Not offered	Hybrid Online
	As we move through the world and interact with those around us, we all play the role of psychologist, trying to understand why we and others do what we do, feel what we feel, think what we think. This course is designed to introduce you to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. By understanding how psychological research is conducted, by examining the evidence that has been accumulated in the field, and by using critical thinking and analysis, it is hoped that the assumptions and intuition you have gained through your own experience with the world will be reexamined and reevaluated in a new and interesting light. A variety of areas within this broad and fascinating field will be examined. These may include learning, memory, social psychology, developmental psychology, stress and health, personality, and abnormal psychology.
REC105	Recreation and Leisure Studies	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of leisure and recreation as they relate to life in Canada. Particular attention is given to the unique features of Canadian society, including the major demographic and population shifts in recent years. By providing a historical overview and a description of the current state of affairs, the students will examine the possible future developments and direction of leisure and recreation. The course will also examine the many issue surrounding the provision of leisure and recreation in Canada in mainstream society and therapeutic settings.
TRC101	The Role of TR in Wellness and Health Promotion	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	Students develop an understanding of the core terms used within the health promotion field and how it applies to therapeutic recreation. After exploring the history of health promotion in Canada the appropriate contexts in which recreation therapists engage in health promotion activities will be discussed. The determinants of health will be investigated, along with the challenges to health experienced by individuals and communities in a variety of contexts. Theoretical concepts and models in health, wellness, health behavior, communication, therapeutic recreation and health promotion will underpin the course. By the end of the course, practical applications in therapeutic recreation will be solidified within these theoretical foundations. Welcome to the Role of Therapeutic Recreation in Wellness and Health Promotion! Within this course, students develop an understanding of the core terms used within the health promotion (HP) field and how it applies to Therapeutic Recreation (TR). After exploring the history of health promotion in Canada, the appropriate contexts in which recreation therapists engage in health promotion activities will be discussed. The determinants of health will be investigated, along with the challenges to health experienced by individuals and communities in a variety of contexts. Theoretical concepts and models in health, wellness, health behavior, communication, therapeutic recreation and health promotion will underpin the course. By the end of the course, practical applications in therapeutic recreation will be solidified within these theoretical foundations

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
HSC205	Clinical Biomechanics and Kinesiology	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	Clinical Biomechanics and KinesiologyHuman movement and biomechanics will begin with an introduction to basic biomechanical concepts, including sheer, strain, stress, elasticity, recoil, compression, and plasticity. The biomechanical structure of bone, cartilage, tendon, fascia, muscle and ligament will be explored in detail. Next, the course will consider equilibrium and the centre of gravity in static and ambulating individual. In this context, the variety of assistive devices available to those who have challenges with mobility will be understood in an applied environment. The course will be completed after reviewing the remodeling and healing properties of living tissue in response to external and internal disruptions in homeostasis.
LSP320	Interpersonal Communications	Hybrid Online	Online	Not offered
	This course enables students to explore the impact that ones interpersonal skills and attitude have on their careers. Through self-assessments, skill building exercises and practice, participants will develop a variety of interpersonal skills such as; active listening, assertive communications, stress management, negotiating skills, conflict management, developing personal power and understanding the political context of organizations.
TRC201	Assessment and Program Planning for TR	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This course introduces the student to the therapeutic recreation (TR) process. The student will learn to develop, conduct, and analyze TR assessments from the initial stage. From there, students will learn the concepts of program design including goal and objective setting, selection of appropriate intervention methods, the intervention process, and accountability in TR practice through evaluation and documentation.
TRC302	Adaptive Recreation and Leisure Activities	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This course will introduce the student to the foundational principles of adaptive recreation from the perspective of person-centred interventions and equal opportunity for participation. Core foundational concepts will be examined including human rights codes, relevant legislation, wellness models, evidence- based programs, and models for service delivery. The course emphasizes adaptive recreation to provide equal opportunities for people of diverse abilities to access and participate in recreation activities as a social justice correction to ableism and exclusion. It examines the methods and best practices of Therapeutic Recreation (TR), focusing on the relationship between therapeutic recreation activities and addressing the needs, wants and preferences of individuals with a variety of abilities through the provision of adaptive and inclusive strategies. A range of adaptive techniques will be considered for different programs and client groups. Students will familiarize themselves with the various settings and community resources in working with a diverse population. Students learn how to apply adaptation and inclusion strategies to eliminate barriers that exist for persons with different abilities and allow them to participate in meaningful, enjoyable TR interventions to improve quality of life.
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
HCM305	Principles of Health Conditions and Management I	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This is the first of two courses that look at common illnesses graduates will see in the health care field. To augment this understanding, students will also learn about the most common pharmaceutical interventions used to treat the various illness covered. As an additional means to build competence in the clinical setting, students will also be exposed to the common medical nomenclature and abbreviations used in medical charting. To this end, this course will merge understandings of disease, treatment, and documentation. In Principles of Health Conditions and Management I, common documentation styles, ethical considerations, and appropriate descriptors for the clinical chart will be covered. The health conditions component of the course will commence with an overview of cellular mechanisms in disease, inflammatory processes, and the pathophysiology of cancer. Documentation exercises and applications will happen in tandem with the exploration of cardiovascular, haematological, and respiratory systems. The course will also cover diseases of the alimentary and hepatobiliary systems.
LLS304	Leadership and Life Skills	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course will provide guidelines on how to carry out the responsibilities and daily basic tasks of the RT providing TR leadership. You will have the opportunity to further develop life skills coaching strategies by exploring goal setting, strategizing for success, listening skills, setting boundaries, giving importance to a balanced life, gaining job readiness, coping with loss, re-entry skills, self-care, responsibility and embracing empowerment, and personal motivation. Lectures, Class labs, and guest speakers will support the development and critical understanding of Leadership and Life Skills strategies in conjunction with positive psychology, human lifespan development and learning theories to develop therapeutic interventions.
PHY301	Exercise Physiology	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course is an introduction to the physiological responses and adaptations that occur during physical activity and training. Emphasis will be placed on the physiological changes that are occurring during exercise, which will serve as a foundation for therapeutic recreation planning and goal setting. Topics include, but not limited to, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic systems and hormonal regulation.
SWO202	Lifespan Development	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This course explores human development across the age span in the physical, social, psychological, emotional, and cognitive domains. Its purpose is to enable the recreation therapist to gain a basic understanding of the life stages of any age group he/she might deliver services to. It examines the transition between life stages and the losses and gains within each stage.
TRC203	Leisure Education in Therapeutic Recreation	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	The goal of this specialized course is to prepare students with the required knowledge base and skill sets to work in the field of Therapeutic Recreation in the area of Leisure Education. This course will focus on improving the student’s understanding of the foundations, potential and effects of leisure education, , systematic programming and considerations for leisure education including multiculturalism, teaching techniques, processing and adaptation. Utilizing the new knowledge learned from this course, students will then learn how to apply this information to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate leisure education programs for different populations.

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FTR407	Therapeutic Recreation, Field Placement Preparation	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course equips students with the tools and strategies needed for a successful Recreation Therapy field placement. A strong placement experience brings academic learning to life and serves as the foundation of the Recreation Therapy profession. Through interactive activities and practical assignments, students will develop self-awareness, explore career direction, and apply the NCTRC competency framework. During placement, students will gain real-world experience, build professional connections, promote the field, and advocate for clients. To achieve this, they must be equipped with the right tools and strategies. Key topics include professional attitude, self-assessment, clearance documentation, TR models, interview preparation, and the integration of Recreation Therapy in a digital world. Students will also gain hands-on experience by facilitating therapeutic activities on campus and observing Recreation Therapy in practice. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to enter their placement with confidence, professionalism, and a clear plan for success.
HCM405	Principles of Health Conditions and Management II	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	Building upon the foundations in Principles of Health Conditions and Management I, this course extends student learning by taking a holistic look at the health care unit combining an understanding of human disease, common pharmaceutical interventions, and appropriate documentation. In this course, diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems, the endocrine system, and renal system will be covered. Musculoskeletal disorders will also be discussed in detail. Diseases of the optic and auditory systems will be explored, as will an overview of dermatological disorders. By the end of these two courses, students will have a foundational understanding of health conditions, pharmacology, and the skills to both interpret medical charts and to engage in effective clinical documentation.
LSL404	Abnormal Psychology	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course explores the symptoms, causes and treatment of various types of psychological disorders including deviant behaviour, the neurotic and psychotic personality, mood disorders, character disorders and disorders of an organic nature. A variety of the major approaches to understanding deviations from "normal" behaviour will be used (physiological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanistic and cognitive approaches). Attention will be given to the cultural realities from which psychiatric classification originate including historical views of such phenomenon, how our understanding of mental illness has changed over time, how it may further evolve, and the role of the front line practitioner in dealing with clients presenting with such issues. Special mental health issues problems in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging persons will be examined. The legal and ethical issues associated with abnormal psychology will also be explored.
LSO403 or LSP403	Group Dynamics or Group Dynamics	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	LSO403: Group DynamicsIn this course the student learns and practices group dynamics. The student is introduced to the following group elements: norms, roles, coherence and dissonance, group think, validation, types of membership, referencing, group symptoms, leadership styles. The student will practice leading and participating in groups where observation and recording skills will be stressed. Pre-requisite: LSP320 LSP403: This course offers a comprehensive analysis of theory and research related to group dynamics. Student explore social processes in groups and their impact on individual behaviour and are introduced to the following group elements: norms, roles, coherence and dissonance, group think, validation, types of groups and membership, referencing, group symptoms, leadership styles. The student will practice leading and participating in groups where observation and recording skills will be stressed.
TRC103	Professional Ethics for TR Practitioners	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course examines the ethical obligations that a recreational therapist has in his/her professional practice. The following areas are covered: definition of ethics, definition of morality, Canadian Charter of Rights and freedoms, Ontario Human Rights Code, UN Declaration on Human Rights, professional standards of practice, the ethical decision making process, types of confidentiality, privacy legislation, legislation related to decision making and advocacy, legislation related to vulnerable populations, informed consent, insurance and liability, case law, documentation, and current issues.
TRC402	Assessment and Therapeutic Recreation Interventions I	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	The goal of this specialized course is to introduce students to a variety of standardized assessment tools and activity interventions. Students will have an opportunity to examine activities according to their benefits, risks, appropriate populations and therapeutic recreation settings, and apply evidence-based practice. Students will practice their leadership and organizational skills by leading class activities.

Semester 5

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FTR507	Therapeutic Recreation, Field Placement	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This course provides students with their first fieldwork experience. It is composed of both classroom work and field experience that enables the student to integrate the academic content from the program with TR work in a health care or social service agency. Information about the practicum experiences are shared, discussed, and analyzed in the classroom to integrate academic learning with the realities of the TR work place.
SCO501	Cognitive and Developmental Disorders	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This course will focus on the developmental and cognitive disorders that occur across the human life span and their implications in the quality of life of patients that require specific therapeutic recreation interventions. The following areas are explored the physical effects of teratogens on the developing foetus. PDD. ADD/ADHD. communication disorders. learning disorders. conditions of disruptive behaviour. In the older client, the various classifications of dementia as well as neuro-degenerative diseases of the brain will be examined.
SWO504	Understanding Addiction	Not offered	Not offered	Online
	This course examines the extent and nature of substance abuse from a biopsychosocial perspective and suggests assessment and intervention strategies for therapeutic recreation practice. It offers theoretical explanations of substance use and abuse, provides a historical and cultural context for attitudes towards substances, and explores various government drug policies to reduce the harms associated with substances. The biopsychosocial effects of drugs will be explored including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, inhalants, stimulants, CNS depressants, opiates, hallucinogens, and prescribed/over-the-counter medications. The course also addresses the following topics related to drugs and Canadian society addiction identification approaches, pharmacological, physiological and emotional effects of drugs, approaches to prevention and treatment, and the impact of addiction on communities and society, and diversity, drug use, and dependence.
TRC502	Assessment and Therapeutic Recreation Interventions II	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	The goal of this specialized course is to prepare students with the required knowledge base and skill sets to work with different populations in the field of Therapeutic Recreation in the area of assessments and therapeutic interventions. This course will focus on improving the student’s understanding of standardized assessments and the utilization of these assessments in practice including conducting, interpreting and analyzing results. Utilizing the results from the assessment process, students will then learn how to apply this information to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic interventions and outcomes in the area of arts-related, cognitive oriented, and nature-oriented programs.
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)

Semester 6

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FTR607	Therapeutic Recreation, Field Placement	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course provides students with the framework to build on their previous fieldwork experience. It is composed of both classroom work and field experience that enables the student to integrate the academic content from the program with TR work in a health care or social service agency. Each placement will allow the students to meet a minimum of two TR competencies each term. Information about the practicum experiences are shared, discussed, and analyzed in the online classroom to integrate academic learning with the realities of the TR work place.
HUM709	Analysis of Canadian Health and Social Programs	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This course will engage students in an in-depth critical analysis of health and social programs in Canada. Students will explore the Canadian welfare state, identification of social and health programs, division of responsibilities for programs in Canada, guiding principles, relevant legislation, eligibility requirements, and benefits. Through a critical lens, students will also review the literature with respect to barriers to care, systemic inequalities, and changing trends within the health care system.
STA863	Statistics for Applied Research	Online	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is intended to introduce students to both quantitative and qualitative statistics. Students will come to understand how to extract meaning from data through both visualizations and relationships associated with statistical information. This course will introduce basic assumptions associated with statistical methods and expose students to making appropriate decisions in choosing statistical tools. In addition, this course will help prepare students to propose and conduct an applied therapeutic recreation research project.
TRC650	Leisure and Aging in Therapeutic Recreation	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course provides leisure theory to assist the Recreation Therapist working with the aging population (55+). This includes exploring the biological/cognitive/psychological processes, different domains of wellness, transitions to life stages, and overall health in later life. As a Recreation Therapist, you will need to be knowledgeable in Therapeutic Recreation programming, impact of environments, modifications, best practices, systemic and individual advocacy, and diversity and inclusion. With this knowledge, students can connect leisure theory such as leisure motivations, leisure values, and leisure constraints as they apply to this population.
TRC655	Leisure and Mental Health in Therapeutic Recreation	Online	Not offered	Not offered
	This course explores the growing needs of mental health care and the role of the Recreation Therapist. Students will explore important topics related to mental health such as stigma and the need for inclusion. This course also focuses on the mental health recovery model, strength-based care, and TR interventions. Through TR interventions, Recreation Therapists can help provide hope, resilience, and empathy in their practice.
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)

Semester 7

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FTR707	Therapeutic Recreation, Field Placement	Not offered	Hybrid	Not offered
	This course provides students with the framework to build on their previous fieldwork experience. It is composed of both classroom work and field experience that enables the student to integrate the academic content from the program with TR work in a health care or social service agency. Each placement will allow the students to meet a minimum of two TR competencies each term. Information about the practicum experiences are shared, discussed, and analyzed in the online classroom to integrate academic learning with the realities of the TR work place.
RSC875	Research Methods	Not offered	Hybrid	Not offered
	This research methods course will examine the various components of the research process including the formulation of research questions or a research hypothesis; the review of the literature; qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research designs; research ethics; data collection; analysis of data; and ethical protocol. Students will be grouped with selected research supervisors to assist and guide them in the development of a research proposal based on a problem relevant to therapeutic recreation.
SWO400	Theories of Counselling	Not offered	Online	Not offered
	Practitioners delivering human services in the community often find themselves helping clients deal with the social and emotional issues that impede their growth and enjoyment of life. A thorough understanding of the theories and skills of counseling and psychotherapy is needed to help maximize the relationship and thereby the growth and wellbeing of the client. To this end the purpose of this course is to provide an examination and critique of the major counseling and psychotherapeutic methods. Students will explore and understand the key concepts of the theories including their major tenets and basic assumptions, and beliefs about the nature of stress, dysfunction, and therapeutic change, the role of the counselor, and the application of the theory to practice. Students will be asked to engage in a critical analysis of the scientific, cultural, and philosophical underpinnings of each theory. Special emphasis will be placed on integration and synthesis in order to match modalities with specific clients, issues, and populations.
TRC700	Leisure Counselling in Therapeutic Recreation	Not offered	Online	Not offered
	This lab will be concurrent to Theories of Counselling where students will have an opportunity to explore counselling techniques as they pertain to leisure education. Students will explore important topics such leisure coping, leisure values, and leisure motivations. This will be a discussion-based lab component where students can critically analyze the application of leisure counselling.
TRC702	Application of Therapeutic Recreation Interventions I	Not offered	In-person	Not offered
	This course will explore the various population groups within Therapeutic Recreation (TR) and the different settings. Students will have opportunities to participate in and lead TR interventions each week. During this course, students will apply leadership skills and inclusive strategies throughout programming. This will be an application-based course to explore theory to practice.
WTP200	Work Term Preparation	Not offered	Online	Not offered
	This Work Term Preparation course is designed to empower students with the tools, skills, and strategies needed to navigate the modern job market and achieve long-term career success. Through self-assessment, career exploration, helping students to identify and leverage skills from their existing experiences, students will develop a deep understanding of their personal strengths, values, personality, interests and goals. The course covers essential topics such as crafting professional résumés and cover letters, mastering interview techniques, and building a strong personal brand, including an online presence. Students will learn how to research career pathways, evaluate job market trends, and create actionable career plans tailored to their aspirations. Emphasis is placed on professional communication, networking, workplace readiness, and adapting to diverse organizational cultures. Additionally, the course provides insights into negotiating job offers, managing career transitions, and professional growth. With a focus on lifelong learning and continuous improvement, this course equips students with the confidence and resources to pursue fulfilling careers while remaining adaptable in a dynamic and competitive workforce. Ideal for students preparing to enter the job market or those seeking to refine their career trajectory, this course fosters self-awareness, professional readiness, and strategic career planning.

Work-Integrated Learning Term

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
DTR881	Therapeutic Recreation, Work Term	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid Online In-person
	This work term will provide students with a college-approved work experience working in the area of therapeutic recreation. In this course, students will apply skills learned in the academic setting as well as gain new workplace skills. Students will interact with industry professionals while developing and expanding their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills in a professional work environment. Through the work experience, students will gain an understanding of workplace accountabilities for their role, the role of team members and leaders in the workplace. The work experience will also provide the student with a variety of situations and opportunities to further develop their listening and communication skills, both oral and written, as pertinent to the job function and industry requirements.

Semester 8

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FTR807	Therapeutic Recreation, Field Placement	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course provides students with the framework to build on their previous fieldwork experience. It is composed of both classroom work and field experience that enables the student to integrate the academic content from the program with TR work in a health care or social service agency. Each placement will allow the students to meet a minimum of two TR competencies each term. Information about the practicum experiences are shared, discussed, and analyzed in the online classroom to integrate academic learning with the realities of the TR work place.
RSC885	Research Project	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	Building on the proposal developed in the Research Methods course, students conduct and report on a capstone project while adhering to ethical guidelines. This course provides students with an opportunity to collect and evaluate data and make recommendations and conclusions on the basis of the analysis of the research findings.
TRC802	Application of Therapeutic Recreation Interventions II	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course will explore the various population groups within Therapeutic Recreation (TR) and the different settings. Students will have opportunities to participate in and lead TR interventions each week. During this course, students will apply leadership skills and inclusive strategies throughout programming. This will be an application-based course to explore theory to practice.
TRC803	Business Management	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course examines the different forms of business in Canada, the nature of management, entrepreneurship, managing information systems, and the four major business functions and production, marketing, finance, and personnel. The course content, however, will focus on human services agencies and how they go about applying fundamental business practices. Whether you are co-ordinating summer camp programs for a city parks and recreation department, managing an aquatic centre or running programs in a nursing home you will need to know how to budget for your programs, market them to potential participants and supervise the staff running the programs. The skills and content learned in this course prepare students for careers in many areas of the recreation and leisure industry and both in the commercial and non-profit sectors.
plus: Liberal Studies Course (1)

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn more about program learning outcomes for this program.

Archived Program & Course Information

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Seneca has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to offer this degree for a five-year term starting Dec. 9, 2022. In conformity with the Minister's criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.