Therapeutic Recreation Bachelor
University of Lethbridge Campus, Canada
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
University of Lethbridge
Therapeutic Recreation / Health Sciences
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Lethbridge
The Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation (BTR) at the University of Lethbridge prepares graduates to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). This program is the first of its kind in Alberta and one of only eight degree programs leading to therapeutic recreation certification in Canada.
Therapeutic recreation uses functional intervention, education, and recreation to help individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, and social limitations gain independence and reduce barriers to wellness. Recreation Therapists use forms of recreation, leisure, and play as treatment modalities to support purposeful and meaningful interventions guided by assessments.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE). The university offers both on-campus and online delivery options to fit diverse learning and lifestyle needs.
Key Program Highlights
- CAAHEP-accredited program preparing graduates for NCTRC certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- 96.1% NCTRC exam pass rate among University of Lethbridge students (2020-2022), well above the 77.4% international average
- Over 94% of internship students have achieved or exceeded supervisor expectations since the program's inception
- Flexible delivery with both on-campus (Lethbridge) and online program options with strong student engagement
Curriculum and Course Modules
The BTR curriculum is developed in close collaboration with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association, employers, and practitioners. It covers therapeutic recreation theory and practice, direct observation, program development, research opportunities, and a capstone practicum experience. Students are strongly encouraged to follow the recommended course sequencing plan.
Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation (TREC 3000)
3 creditsExamines the foundations of therapeutic recreation including models of service, definitions and benefits of the profession, history and development, and the nature of therapeutic recreation service delivery.
Processes and Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (TREC 3300)
3 creditsFocuses on the APIED (Assess, Plan, Implement, Evaluate, and Document) process used by recreation therapists to direct service delivery and develop meaningful client interventions.
Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and Documentation
3 creditsCovers assessment tools, documentation standards, and evidence-based practices essential for therapeutic recreation professionals working in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Design and Facilitation in Therapeutic Recreation
3 creditsDevelops skills in designing and facilitating recreation-based programs that respect diversity and address the unique needs of various client populations across healthcare settings.
Research Methods in Therapeutic Recreation
3 creditsIntroduces research methodologies relevant to therapeutic recreation, enabling students to critically evaluate evidence and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field.
Internship in Therapeutic Recreation (TREC 4550)
15 creditsA full-time, 15-week capstone practicum placement (minimum 560 hours) with a CTRS supervisor, providing hands-on experience in a professional therapeutic recreation setting.
Elective and Supporting Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Lethbridge is competitive. This is a post-diploma program, meaning applicants must already hold a related approved diploma or degree. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your eligibility and application.
Academic Requirements
- Diploma PathwayDiploma in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy from an approved institution
- Degree PathwayApproved undergraduate degree with a minimum of 90.0 credit hours from a recognized degree-granting institution
- Minimum GPACumulative GPA of at least 2.50 on all TREC courses taken for credit
- Spoken English ProficiencyMust meet the Spoken English Language Proficiency (SELP) requirement for the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Application FeeCAD 140 non-refundable processing fee for applicants who have attended institutions outside of Canada
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum total score of 80, with minimum 16 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and minimum 18 in Writing
- IELTS AcademicMinimum overall score of 6.0, with minimum 6.0 in each band
- PTE AcademicMinimum overall score of 54
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Lethbridge offers a range of scholarships and financial awards to support both domestic and international students. International students entering undergraduate programs are eligible for entrance awards and ongoing merit-based funding. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on available opportunities.
International Students Entrance Scholarship
Starting from CAD 1,000Available to visa students entering any undergraduate degree program at the University of Lethbridge with a minimum 80% admission average. Students are automatically considered based on their completed general application.
Undergraduate Merit Awards
CAD 300 to CAD 2,000Merit-based awards available to undergraduate students demonstrating strong academic achievement. Students are considered through the university's general award application process.
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Up to CAD 30,000Awarded annually to female international or DACA students enrolled or accepted to study full-time in a STEM-related degree program at a supported institution in the United States or Canada.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Therapeutic Recreation Graduates
Therapeutic recreation is recognized as one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. Graduates of this program are prepared to work as certified therapeutic recreation specialists in diverse settings. The University of Lethbridge's strong NCTRC exam pass rate and internship performance ratings reflect the career readiness of its graduates.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employment Settings
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Lethbridge is a comprehensive public research university founded in 1967, consistently recognized among Canada's top primarily undergraduate institutions. It is accredited by the Government of Alberta and is a member of Universities Canada, with notable subject-level rankings in health sciences, psychology, and life sciences.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Health | THE Subject Rankings | Top 801 |
| Psychology | THE Subject Rankings | 401-500 |
| Life Sciences | THE Subject Rankings | Top 601 |
| Health Sciences (Nature Index) | Nature Index | #603 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Immersive Spaces MA
Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Rome, Italy
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
17300 €
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Energy Transition Systems and Technologies (MSc)
University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2027
Gross Tuition
26250 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Materials Science
University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Earliest Intake
December 2026
Gross Tuition
3000 €
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Migrations, Rights, Intergration Master
University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Earliest Intake
March 2026
Gross Tuition
356 €
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Language and Speach Therapy
Ankara Medipol University, Altındağ, Turkey
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
4080 $
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
