Careers with a therapeutic recreation degree
Studying Therapeutic Recreation means transforming your passion for helping people into meaningful impact. You’ll design and lead programs that promote health, well-being and social connection to enrich lives.
What can I do with my degree? Therapeutic Recreation prepares you for roles in healthcare, rehabilitation, business recreation and wellness program coordination.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Identify the unique needs of individuals and communities to design evidence-based interventions
Communication:
Build trust and rapport through active listening and compassionate communication
Management and organization:
Plan and manage the details for recreational events and community programs
Teamwork:
Collaborate with professionals from various fields on shared treatment plans
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Engage with community organizations to evaluate the success of therapeutic recreation programs
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Join Applied Human Sciences Student Association or explore other clubs that interests you.
- Attend events at the Centre for Human Flourishing and contribute to a thriving interconnected community.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Learn about funding opportunities available to you in the program.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
- Volunteer with an organization for a cause you care about.
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
Final year
- Explore courses in your program with an experiential learning component.
- Take control of your finances before your next chapter by exploring FutureBound’s financial literacy workshops.
- Explore leadership opportunities in Applied Human Sciences Student Association.
- Learn more about National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to stay informed about certification requirements and professional development.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group.
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
- Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association
- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals - Canada
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec
Job Banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
