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Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation & Activation Assistant (CERT-TRAA) “Caring Hearts, Creating Joy”

Credential: Certificate
Program Length: 6 Months (1 Semester Intensive)
Total Credits: 30
Tuition: $2,310
Delivery: In-class + Practicum
Practicum: Supervised placement in long-term care homes, retirement residences, hospitals, adult day programs, or community care settings

Program Overview

The Therapeutic Recreation & Activation Assistant (CERT-TRAA) certificate prepares learners to support recreational and therapeutic activity programming within a variety of care and community settings. The program develops foundational knowledge and practical competencies required to assist in planning and facilitating meaningful activities for older adults and individuals living with physical disabilities, chronic illness, and cognitive impairments, including dementia.

The curriculum emphasizes emotional well-being, social engagement, and quality of life through creative, purposeful, and adaptive activities. Learners are prepared to contribute within interdisciplinary care environments by supporting the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals through structured activation approaches.

This certificate is suitable as an added specialization for:

  • Personal Support Workers (PSWs)

  • Health Care Aides (HCAs)

  • Individuals seeking a non-clinical support role in healthcare or community services

Program Mission

Caring Hearts, Creating Joy

To prepare compassionate activation assistants who foster dignity, creativity, and meaningful engagement in the lives of elderly and vulnerable individuals. The program emphasizes meeting individuals where they are and enhancing their quality of life through purposeful activity and relational care.

Why This Program Matters

Quality care extends beyond physical support to include emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. Activation Assistants play a vital role within care teams by enhancing engagement, reducing isolation, and promoting holistic wellness.

This program recognizes the importance of person-centered care and equips learners to contribute meaningfully by supporting the body, mind, and emotional well-being of those they serve.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Plan and facilitate safe, inclusive, and therapeutic recreational activities

  • Apply creative modalities such as music, art, movement, and storytelling

  • Adapt activities to meet diverse physical, cognitive, emotional, and cultural needs

  • Support individuals living with dementia, mobility limitations, and chronic illness

  • Promote dignity, autonomy, and meaningful engagement

  • Communicate effectively with residents, families, and care teams

  • Organize and deliver group and individual activities professionally

  • Document and evaluate activity participation and outcomes

  • Apply safety, infection control, and ethical care practices

Program Structure

Total Credits: 30

  • Theory Courses: 10 Credits

  • Practicum: 20 Credits

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR

  • Mature Student Status (19+ with relevant experience)

  • English proficiency sufficient for college-level communication

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Assets (Not Mandatory):

  • PSW or HCA/Aide Certificate

Credit Transfer Opportunities

Learners who have completed communication or interpersonal skills courses in recognized PSW or HCA programs may be eligible for transfer credit toward the communication component of this program, subject to institutional review.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

  • Activation Assistant

  • Therapeutic Activity Assistant

  • Recreation Aide

  • Community Program Facilitator

  • Leisure Program Assistant

  • Dementia Care Activity Support

Employment Settings:

  • Long-term care homes

  • Retirement residences

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation centres

  • Adult day programs

  • Community and disability support organizations

Course Breakdown (Theory – 10 Credits)

Communication for Therapeutic Engagement – 2 Credits
Develops essential communication skills for working with older adults and individuals with cognitive impairments, including active listening, empathy, redirection, and family interaction.

Activation in Healthcare Settings – 2 Credits
Introduces the role of activation within care environments, including teamwork, ethical practice, documentation, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Safety and Risk Management in Activation Activities – 2 Credits
Covers safety protocols, scope of practice, professional boundaries, infection control, and basic understanding of health conditions relevant to activity planning.

Recreation & Creative Expression – 2 Credits
Explores practical activity modalities such as games, music, arts, storytelling, and movement, with emphasis on adaptation for diverse populations.

Behavioural, Cognitive & Emotional Wellness – 1 Credit
Focuses on dementia, mental health, behavioural responses, and strategies for engagement, validation, and emotional support.

Activity Planning & Program Coordination – 1 Credit
Covers activity scheduling, program design, documentation, and evaluation aligned with resident-centered care.

Practicum Placement (20 Credits)

Supervised experiential placement in approved care settings, such as:

  • Long-term care homes

  • Retirement communities

  • Adult day programs

  • Hospitals or rehabilitation centres

Learners will:

  • Apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments

  • Assist in planning and facilitating activities

  • Engage directly with residents/clients

  • Demonstrate professionalism and communication skills

  • Participate as part of a care team

Minimum practicum hours are established by the institution and aligned with program learning outcomes.