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, retirement homes, hospitals, adult day programs, or community care settings

Program Overview

The Therapeutic Recreation & Activation Assistant (CERT-TRAA) certificate prepares students for work within various healthcare field. Lessons include implementation planning, organizational skills to lead meaningful recreational and therapeutic activities for older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, chronic illness, and cognitive impairments, as well as dementia.

This program focuses on emotional wellbeing, social connection to enhance quality of life and cognitive engagement through creative, purposeful, and adaptive activities. Graduates work as part of the healthcare teams, supporting residents’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs through activation within medical care.

This certificate is designed as an additional specialization for:

• Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
• Health Care Aides (HCAs)
• Individuals seeking a non-clinical role in healthcare and community support

Program Mission

Caring Hearts, Creating Joy

To incorporate compassionate activation assistants who bring laughter, dignity, creativity, and purpose into the lives of elderly and vulnerable individuals within healthcare. To meet residents where they are, and celebrate who they are through activity and care.

Why this program Matters

This program recognizes that care is a connection of individuals within a team who meet all the needs or their patients through its various branches. The Activation Assistants role within the team brings life, meaning, creativity and joy into care environments by physically supporting the body, heart and mind.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Plan and deliver safe, inclusive, and therapeutic recreational activities
• Use music, art, games, storytelling, movement, and outings therapeutically
• Adapt activities to meet physical, cognitive, emotional, and cultural needs
• Support individuals with dementia, mobility limitations, and chronic illness
• Promote dignity, autonomy, and joy in care environments
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, and healthcare teams
• Organize groups and one-to-one activities with confidence and professionalism
• Document and evaluate activation programs
• Maintain safety, infection control, and ethical standards

Program Structure

Total Credits: 30

• Theory Courses: 10 credits
• Experiential Learning: 10 credits
• Practicum: 10 credits

 Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) OR
• Mature Student Status (19+ with relevant experience)
• English proficiency (college-level communication)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Assets (Not Mandatory):

• PSW or HCA/Aide Certificate

Credit Transfer Opportunities

Students who have successfully completed Communication or Interpersonal Skills courses from PSW or HCA programs are eligible for credit transfer toward the Communication course in this program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work 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 & rehab centres
• Adult day programs
• Community and disability support agencies

Course Breakdown

Communication for Therapeutic Engagement – 3 Credits

Develops professional communication skills for working with elderly and cognitively impaired individuals. Focus on verbal, non-verbal, active listening, empathy, redirection, and family interaction.

Activation in Healthcare Settings – 3 Credits

Introduces the role of activation assistants within healthcare and community environments. Covers teamwork, ethical practice, documentation, and collaboration with nursing, PSWs, and recreation therapists.

Safety and Risk Management in Activation Activities – 4 Credits

Explores the scope of practice, responsibilities, boundaries, professionalism, and resident-centered care. Emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and emotional wellbeing for safety and risk management in activation Activities. Exploration of the human body systems and health conditions.

Recreation & Creative Expression – 5 Credits

Hands-on exploration of:

• Games & group activities
• Music & movement
• Arts & crafts
• Storytelling & reminiscence
• Laughter therapy & fun-based engagement

Students learn to adapt activities for varying abilities and cultural backgrounds.

Behaviours, Cognitive, Mental & Emotional Wellness – 3 Credits

Focuses on dementia, cognitive decline, mental health, sensory loss, behaviours and emotional needs. Teaches strategies for engagement, redirection, validation, and calming techniques.

Activity Planning & Program Coordination – 4 Credits

Students learn to design activity calendars, plan individual and group sessions, manage materials, document participation, and evaluate outcomes based on resident needs.

Elective (Choose One) – 2 Credits

Examples:

• Multicultural & Inclusive Recreation
• Spiritual Care & Meaningful Moments
• Gentle Fitness & Chair-Based Movement
• Technology & Virtual Engagement for Seniors

Experiential Learning (Integrated – 10 Credits)

Practical, instructor-led where students:

• Practice leading activities
• Modify games and crafts
• Simulate real-life resident scenarios
• Receive peer and instructor feedback
• Build confidence in facilitation and leadership

Practicum Placement – 10 Credits

Supervised placement (minimum hours set by institution) in:

• Long-Term Care Homes
• Retirement Communities
• Adult Day Programs
• Hospitals or Rehabilitation Centres

Students apply classroom learning while working directly with residents.