Be ready to make a difference in the lives of seniors.
Find satisfaction working with this growing population, learning the skills necessary to assess, plan and execute recreational activities. You’ll learn through theory, practice and field placements, to prepare you for a career working with older adults.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Our program is recognized by the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association and is one of the few therapeutic recreation programs in Canada with a focus on gerontology. You’re learning will take place in the classroom, lab and in the field through work-integrated learning experiences. Our on-campus Simulation Hub, one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, immerses students in realistic scenarios. Our dedicated, caring and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you prepare for a career helping others.
1 of the few
therapeutic recreation programs in Canada that specializes in gerontology
2 work-integrated
learning experience opportunities to put theory into practice and gain skills for immediate employment
1 of 4
Students participate in immersive learning experiences in the Simulation Hub, one of only four such centres in Canada accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
Career Opportunities
Your diploma in Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology will prepare you to work in many settings, including:
- Community-based programs
- Group homes
- Hospitals
- Lodges
- Long term care
- Mental health programs
- Rehabilitation programs
- Seniors day programs
- Senior centers
- Supportive living
80%
of our TRG program grads had a related job less than six months after graduating from the program
5
transfer agreements with universities in Alberta, British Columbia and Australia
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants for both the campus based and on-line learning cohorts are admitted into the Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology program in the Fall (September) term.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- 60 percent minimum in English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or 70 percent in ELA 30-2
- Grade 12 Biology
Note: Effective for the Fall 2026 intake, in addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admissions section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- 50 percent minimum in English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or 30-2
- Grade 12 Biology
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services | Outgoing |
September 2018 - August 2025
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human ServicesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of CommerceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour RelationsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management | Outgoing |
September 2018 - August 2025
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice | Outgoing |
September 2018 - August 2025
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal JusticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies | Outgoing |
September 2018 - August 2025
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication StudiesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Griffith University, Australia | Bachelor of Human Services | Outgoing |
July 2021 - June 2026
Bachelor of Human ServicesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 65% are eligible for transfer credit towards Griffith University's Bachelor of Human Services. Students will be provided an approved course completion pathway at time of offer of admission. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website for more information. |
| Thompson Rivers University | Bachelor of Health Science | Outgoing |
Pending Renewal
Bachelor of Health ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 57 credits towards Thompson Rivers University's Bachelor of Health Science, Students should contact Academic Advising at Thompson Rivers University or visit their website for more information. |
| Thompson Rivers University | Bachelor of General Studies | Outgoing |
Pending Renewal
Bachelor of General StudiesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Thompson Rivers University's Bachelor of General Studies. Students should contact Academic Advising at Thompson Rivers University or visit their website for more information. |
| University of Calgary | Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation | Outgoing |
September 2011 - August 2030
Bachelor of Community RehabilitationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards the University of Calgary's Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation. Students should consult Academic Advising at the University of Calgary or visit their website for more information. |
| University of Lethbridge | Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation | Outgoing |
May 2020 - May 2030
Bachelor of Therapeutic RecreationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00 or higher, are eligible for transfer to the University of Lethbridge's Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation. Enrollment in the degree program is limited and a higher GPA may be required to meet competitive admission requirements. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge Polytechnic and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge Polytechnic's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1152 | Physiology of Aging | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| PSY-1177 | Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| TRG-1150 | Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation | 3 |
| TRG-1164 | Leadership Theory | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOC-1167 | Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| TRG-1160 | Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning I | 3 |
| TRG-1199 | Practicum I | 3 |
| TRG-2263 | Aging Disorders and Disabilities | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| TRG-2253 | Therapeutic Recreation Assessment | 3 |
| TRG-2257 | Evidence Informed Programming in TR | 3 |
| TRG-2261 | Behavioral Approaches in TR | 3 |
| TRG-2268 | Therapeutic Recreation Programs | 6 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| PSY-2260 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| TRG-2259 | Therapeutic Recreation Issues and Trends | 3 |
| TRG-2264 | Community Resources | 3 |
| TRG-2275 | Fitness for the Older Adult | 3 |
| TRG-2299 | Advanced Practicum II | 6 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Please refer to the online Academic Timetable for course availability.
Important Note(s):
Online Learning students are responsible for any fees for service by an off-site exam proctor.
All "TRG" specific courses within the Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology diploma MUST be completed within 6 years of the first TRG course taken. However, the support courses (i.e. SOC, PSY) have a 10 year completion date.
Students must complete the two practicums on a full-time basis. Due to the limited availability of practicum sites, students may be required to relocate from their home community to complete the practicum placements.
Online learning students must consult with the program chair or the practicum coordinator prior to registering for their practicums. Online Learning students wanting to enroll in either TRG-1199 Practicum I (3 credits) or TRG-2299 Advanced Practicum II (6 credits) must register prior to September 1st for the winter term placement and January 1st for a spring/summer term placement.
It is not recommended that Online Learning students register in more than 2 theory courses and practicum concurrently. Contact the TRG program chair to develop a plan.
Online Learning students who reside outside of Alberta must be aware they may not be covered under Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) insurance coverage when participating in practicums outside of Alberta.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$4,524.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$1,350.00
|
| Year 2
|
$4,455.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$16,899.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$1,350.00
|
| Year 2
|
$18,101.00
|
$1,547.00
|
$800.00
|
Notes
Any fees for service by an off-site test proctor are the responsibility of the student.
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology program is available through the following delivery methods.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Online
This program is fully delivered online with both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) components.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Marianne Leeson
Olympic Alpine Snowboarder – Sochi 2014
“What I learned as an athlete I have been able to take into my education. I had not seen a classroom in over 10 years. All of my instructors are so passionate and that shows in their teaching. I really like the idea of helping people get back into the community to be as independent as they possibly can.”
Boaz Korir
“I chose the program because of my passion for helping people. I wanted to make life different for a senior. The college is accepting, it’s transforming and it’s inclusive.”
Megan Orr
“I loved the hands-on aspect of the program. We had the opportunity to do two separate fieldwork placements in facilities where therapeutic recreation is used. To me, those two fieldwork placements were the best experience a student could gain. It really showed us what the ‘real world’ is like and how to apply our knowledge of therapeutic recreation into real-life situations.”