Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a recreational therapist in B.C., you may choose to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing an accredited bachelor degree or higher with a concentration in recreational therapy, completion of a minimum 14 week internship, and passing the NCTRC exam. 

Recreational therapists

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a consultant, officer or researcher related to sport, recreation or fitness in B.C., you may choose to register as a member with the British Columbian Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Contact the association to initiate the membership process. 

Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers

To work as a recreation, sports, or fitness program and service director, you may choose to become a member of the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association. Membership can be accessed through an employer or individually.

Employment in this career may require several years of related work experience.

Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors

This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.

Parks, recreation, and leisure studies

Recreation Bachelor's Degrees

Policy researchers, consultants and program officers in recreation, sports and fitness oversee and administer recreation, sports and fitness programs and activities, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop programs and policies related to recreation, sports and physical fitness. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, recreation, sports, fitness and health care facilities, retirement homes, community centres, sports and fitness consulting firms and organizations, or they may be self-employed.

Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of comprehensive recreational, sports and fitness programs and services, national or provincial sports governing agencies and professional athletic teams. They are employed by municipalities, community and private recreational and fitness organizations, sports governing agencies and professional athletic team organizations.

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

Leisure And Recreation Diplomas

The Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation gives you the tools to assess, plan, implement and evaluate a wide range of leisure services for people with barriers to participating in leisure activities. Such services might include arts and crafts, dance, music, sports, games, aquatics and group outings. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom through practicum placements and community projects, where you’ll work with real clients in a variety of health-care and social-service settings. Recreation therapists work in the fields of gerontology, paedology, psychology, rehabilitation and more in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental-health centres, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centres and social-service settings. 

Therapeutic Recreation: Bachelor's Degree

The Recreation Management Bachelor's Degree is the third and fourth year of a bachelor's degree for students who hold an academic credential or 60-credits of university transferrable credits and who are interested in pursuing careers in the Recreation field. You'll learn management theory and gain practical knowledge with specialized courses in recreation. [View program information](https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/recreation-management/program-curriculum.html)

Recreation Management: Bachelor's Degree

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation and Health Education allows you to study the impact that recreation has on health, society and quality of life. You'll learn how to plan and facilitate quality wellness experiences and prepare for work in recreation and health promotion. Support social change through work in public and not-for-profit sectors.

Educational Path

Recreation Bachelor's Degrees

Programs

Careers