Skip to content

Get the Skills to Become a Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

Young woman in a navy shirt smiling and pointing outdoors while standing with a group of teens in the background on a grassy field.
Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistants support quality of life through meaningful recreation and leisure activities.

20-Week Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant Training Program in British Columbia

Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistants play an important role in supporting physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being. Through music, arts and crafts, games, gardening, outings, fitness activities, and one-on-one engagement, they help clients stay active, connected, and engaged.

If you are caring, creative, and enjoy working with people, Cambria College’s Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program could be an excellent opportunity for you.

The best way to see if Cambria College is the right fit for you is to come in and visit the school. You can tour our facilities, and meet with both students and instructors. Book an Appointment Now or Get more info.

Therapeutic Recreation Program Overview

20-Week* Certificate | $42,752 median annual earnings**

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2025-2035): 2,850**
  • Graduates may pursue opportunities in long-term care homes, assisted living residences, group homes, adult day programs, and community wellness centres
  • Career paths can include Recreation Assistant, Activity Aide, Recreation Aide, Activity Worker, and Activity Leader

**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/other-assisting-occupations-support-health-services visited on March 30, 2026. Salary source for other assisting occupations in support of health services in British Columbia with median annual earnings of $42,752. The lowest 10% of workers earn approximately $31,000, while the highest 10% earn approximately $58,000.

Training to Become a Qualified Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

This program prepares students to support person-centered therapeutic recreation services in a variety of care settings. Students learn about communication, dementia support, recreation programming, activity facilitation, and leisure-based wellness, while gaining hands-on experience through practicum placements in real care environments.

Is a Career as a Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant Right for You? Take the Cambria Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant  Readiness Quiz Now

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Career Training Readiness score now.

Course Breakdown
Course No.Course NameHours
TRAA-1Interpersonal Communication30
TRAA-2Person-Centered Care and Recreation Therapy50
TRAA-3Introduction to Practice50
TRAA-4Practical Approaches to Dementia45
TRAA-5Lifestyles and Leisure in Recreation Therapy45
TRAA-6Practicum I20
TRAA-7Program Facilitation and Leading Activities60
TRAA-8Practicum II60
CS100Career and Employment Strategies20
SFAFirst Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certification16
FSTFood Safety Certification4
 TOTAL400

Program Duration

Total Program Hours400
Practicum Hours80
Total Program Weeks20

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to acceptance into the program:

  1. High School Graduation or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older prior to starting the program)
  2. Prior to acceptance, applicants must meet at least one of the following language proficiency requirements:
    • Completion of 3 years of full-time secondary education, including English 12 with a grade of “C” or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction
    • Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test
      results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
              i. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall score of
              5.5 or higher.
              ii. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: overall score of 46 or higher
              iii. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: overall score of 40 or higher
              iv. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): minimum score of
              Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5
              v. Cambridge English Language: B2 First exam (FCE): overall score of 160 or higher
              vi. Pearson Test of English (PTE): overall score of 46 or higher
              vii. Duolingo English Test (DTE): overall score of 95 or higher
  3. Clear Criminal Record Check Completion under the Criminal Record Review Program (CRRP)

Prior to practicum placements, students must also provide proof of immunizations, TB screening, FoodSafe Level 1, First Aid, CPR Level C or Basic Life Support certification, SPECO completion, and other health authority requirements.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, under the supervision of a Certified Recreation Therapist or
Activity Coordinator, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Recognize and respond to their own self-development, learning, and health needs as care providers.
  • Perform their role reflectively, responsibly, and with professional accountability.
  • Assist in the planning, delivery, and adaptation of individual and group activities that align with client
    goals.
  • Communicate respectfully and effectively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams.
  • Observe and report client responses to recreation programs, contributing to ongoing care planning.

Program Fees

Domestic Students: 

  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $100
  • Tuition: $8,000
  • Textbooks: $254
  • Other Fees: $50

Total: $8,654

International Students:

  • Application Fee: $500
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Tuition: $10,000
  • Textbooks: $254
  • Other Fees: $50

Total: $11,054

Career Opportunities in Therapeutic Recreation

Upon completion of this program, students may seek career opportunities as:

  • Recreation Assistant
  • Activity Aide
  • Recreation Aide
  • Activity Worker
  • Activity Leader
  • Care/Activity Aide

Graduates may find employment in long-term care facilities, assisted living residences, group homes, adult day programs, and community wellness centres. This program is designed to prepare graduates for NOC 3414 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services.

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institution Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

This program, along with all other programs at Cambria College, is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

Rewarding Career as a Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant

If you’re interested in learning more about a career as Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant and seeing if Cambria College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call your nearest Cambria College location today.

Surrey: (604) 416-5522
Victoria: (778) 265-7547

FAQs

What will I learn in the Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program?
You will learn how to plan and lead recreation activities that support physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. The program covers person-centered care, communication, dementia support, and therapeutic recreation programming.

Apply Now

What kinds of activities will I learn to lead?
Students gain experience through activities such as music, arts and crafts, gardening, games, fitness, baking, and one-on-one engagement. You will also learn how to adapt activities for different physical and cognitive needs.

Book an Appointment

Does the program include a practicum?
Yes. The program includes two practicum placements in which students observe, support, and help lead recreational activities in real care settings. This gives you hands-on experience before graduation.

Connect with Admissions to Learn More

Where can I work after graduating from the Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program?
Graduates may work in long-term care facilities, assisted living residences, group homes, adult day programs, and community wellness centres. Common job titles include Recreation Assistant, Activity Aide, and Recreation Leader.

Contact Admissions to Learn More

What are the admission requirements for the Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program?
Applicants need a high school diploma or mature student status, proof of English language proficiency, and a criminal record check. Additional practicum requirements include First Aid, CPR, immunization records, and a TB test.

Apply Now