In response to the growing population of seniors, in 1989 the Therapeutic Recreation program at LCC adjusted its focus to gerontology. Today this program is extremely popular. Each year the 25-30 graduates are regarded highly in the profession, largely due to the practical orientation of their education. Much of the present leadership in the profession in Southern Alberta is provided by graduates of our program.

In this two-year diploma, students receive instruction in the aging process, assessment of leisure needs, interdisciplinary team involvement and care plans. Developing, implementing and evaluating treatment, leisure education and recreation programs are also reviewed. Instruction is offered in leadership and group dynamics as related to the field of gerontology and recreation therapy.

Employment opportunities in this field are excellent and most often involve positions in long term care facilities, private or community agencies assisting the well elderly, frail & seniors with dementia to live more active, independent and rewarding lives.

• IMPORTANT DATES
• ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• PROGRAM FEES
• PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
• GRADUATION
• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
• CURRICULUM
• COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

• TO THE PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SITE

• BACK TO THE ON-LINE CALENDAR

IMPORTANT DATES

• TOP

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• TOP

New students are admitted into the Therapeutic Recreation (Gerontology) program in the Fall term only.

Academic Requirements
Applicants are required to have an Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent. Applicants are recommended to have a minimum 65% in English 30 or 33. Applicants are recommended to have completed Biology 30. Students without some Biology background will be required to complete BIO 149.

Alternate Admission applicants are required to have received a minimum 60th percentile in Reading and 50th percentile on Sentence Skills sections of the Computerized Placement Tests.

Medical Requirements
Students accepted to Therapeutic Recreation (Gerontology) are encouraged to obtain Hepatitis B immunization (first of series) prior to commencing their program. Students must also complete a medical examination, Hepatitis B immunization, and provide evidence of inoculation against communicable diseases prior to entering any field placement.

1. Students are advised of the increasing requirements by practicum organizations for Criminal Record (CPIC) and Child Welfare Information (CWIS) checks prior to practicum placement. Further, students are advised of the fee (approximately $25) for the CPIC.

PROGRAM FEES

• TOP

All fees are approximate and are based on a full credit load for each program (the number of credits may depend upon the elective courses selected) and is subject to change. Costs of books and supplies are estimated. Supply costs include only the specialized materials and equipment needed for the program and not basic stationery supplies. The LCC Students¹ Association fees are subject to change. For more detailed information on tuition fee calculation and other fees, students are advised to consult the FEES section of this Calendar.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

• TOP

Students accepted into this program have the opportunity to apply related employment, volunteer, educational or training experiences toward the completion of the program. For information on Prior Learning Assessment, students should contact the Registrar¹s Office.

GRADUATION

• TOP

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation (Gerontology).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• TOP

TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

• TOP

University of Calgary
Graduates may apply their diploma toward two years of study in the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation degree offered at the University of Calgary. (For details of this degree students are asked to contact the University Calgary or check the Rehabilitation Services section of this Calendar).

Athabasca University
Diploma graduates may receive up to two years credit toward the Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Administration degree.

University of Lethbridge
LCC graduates may apply their diploma to four courses or 12 unspecified credits in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Lethbridge.

CURRICULUM

• TOP

1. Students should expect that a minimum of one class each term is offered in the late afternoon or evening. This may interfere with employment opportunities, family obligations, etc. but is necessary to accommodate the schedules of instructors and certain students.
2. Students are advised that course availability is limited. Failing or withdrawing from courses in a given term may cause serious disruption to the student’s progress through the program. Students enrolling in a course for the first time may have priority over those students repeating the course.
3. Field work placements are often completed during the summer (usually April and May) and may conflict with employment for students. Field work may be combined with suitable summer employment, but most often such assignments are voluntary.
4. Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer CPR must be taken prior to fieldwork and is a requirement for graduation. Students are to arrange to take these courses, offered through LCC Division of Continuing Studies, Red Cross or St. John Ambulance directly. Certification must be current at graduation
5. Students are advised that many practicum organizations require students to be members of Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) or other professional organizations and that the cost may involve $40-50 a year.
6. Some agencies will require security checks prior to field work commencement or employment.

Year I Fall Term Hours/Week Credits
COM 162 Interpersonal Relationships and Communication (3-0) 3
CPU 151 Introduction to Computers (0-3) 3
ENG 150 English Composition (3-0) 3
PSY 177 Psychology of Aging (3-0) 3
TRG 150 Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation (4-0) 4
TRG 164 Leadership Theory (3-0) 3

Optional (required if the student does not have Biology 30 or equivalent)
BIO 149 Introduction to Physiology (2-0) 2
Total 19 or 21 credits

Year I Winter Term Hours/Week Credits
BIO 152 Physiology of Aging (2-1) 3
COM 170 Helping Relationships (1-2) 3
CPU 251 Computer Applications (0-3) 3
TRG 160 Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning I (3-0) 3
SOC 167 Sociology of Aging (3-0) 3
TRG 199 Field Work (320 hours) 3
Total 18 credits

Year II Fall Term Hours/Week Credits
TRG 253 Assessment (4-0) 4
TRG 256 Therapeutic Intervention (3-0) 3
TRG 260 Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning II (3-0) 3
TRG 268 Therapeutic Leisure Programs (4-5) 9
Total 19 credits

Year II Winter Term Hours/Week Credits
TRG 200 Field Work (320 hours) 3
TRG 251 Seminar (2-0) 2
TRG 263 Aging Disorders and Disabilities (3-0) 3
TRG 264 Community Resources (3-0) 3
TRG 265 Fitness for the Aging (2-1) 3
TRG 270 Administrative Practices (3-0) 3
Total 17 credits