Recreation and Leisure Services at Algonquin College

Pursue a career supporting healthy communities.

The two-year Recreation and Leisure Services Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to pursue a career programming in recreation facilities, parks and the community by promoting and advocating the benefits of active, healthy living through positive recreation and leisure activities.

Experience the fun, exciting and growing recreation and leisure services field. As a student, you complete more than 300 hours of valuable field placement which, provides on-the-job training and experience in the industry.

Upon graduation, you may find work in a variety of roles. These can include work in not-for-profit and commercial, private or government environments, such as:

• municipal recreation departments
• senior centres
• retirement communities
• long-term care facilities
• arts and cultural facilities
• tourism associations
• national and provincial parks

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are passionate about working in a community environment with a focus on helping people explore their leisure interests.
• Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the sports and leisure service industry.
• Are intrigued by planning, designing and implementing recreation programs and special events for a variety of people.
• Enjoy leading others in leisure activities that foster camaraderie and personal well-being.
• Are outgoing and inspirational.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as recreation programmers, event planners and program coordinators in municipal recreation departments, volunteer and community agencies, social service agencies, hospitals, therapeutic recreation agencies, retirement or long-term care facilities, resorts and tourism areas.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities which respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
2. Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
3. Analyze, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
4. Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
5. Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
6. Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
7. Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
8. Apply community development strategies which engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
9. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.