Recreation and Leisure Services
Post Secondary

Recreation and Leisure Services

Two Years | Ontario College Diploma
Program Code 0159
Welland Campus

The program had great professors, amazing training and endless skill development opportunities. The (program) easily transitioned us from placement to full-time employment.

Jennifer McQuillian and Lori Laird, Recreational Supervisors, City of St. Catharines Recreation and Community Services Department



Career Opportunities

Recreation and leisure play an increasingly important role in today's society. Recreation and Leisure is no longer considered a luxury, rather a necessity to healthy living. This program will provide you with the skills to promote healthy lifestyles and deal with societal issues, focusing on healthy communities and a global sense of enhanced quality of life.

Career opportunities include:

Government Agencies

  • Aquatics
  • Adult services
  • Special events
  • Recreation centres for all ages
  • Senior centres
  • Community development
  • Health promotion

Outdoor recreation settings

  • Camps
  • Parks
  • Resorts

Voluntary sector

  • YMCA
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Sport associations

Social Services

  • Housing authorities
  • Youth at risk agencies
  • Developmental services
  • Mental health agencies

As the field grows, new career opportunities continue to emerge.

The NC Difference

  • Two levels of Parks and Recreation Ontario’s High Five Certification
  • Overnight leadership camp experience
  • Students complete at least 370 hours of hands-on work experience INCLUDING A 4-WEEK IMMERSION
  • Three terms include field placement component
  • Many graduates are hired by their fourth-term placement agency
  • Four-day outdoor camp experience
  • Articulation agreement with Brock University

Testimonials and Profiles

"The Recreation and Leisure program at Niagara College allowed me to make connections with agencies within my field which has now led me to a full time position where I am able to use what I learned to the fullest. My job is a perfect fit for my skills."

Allison Campbell,
Recreation and Leisure Services graduate, Program Co-ordinator, The Learning Institute, White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa

 


Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, including the following required courses:
  • English - any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent.

Recommended Courses and/or Recommended Skills (Not Required for Admission):

  • Exercise Science - Grade 12 (U)
  • Recreation and Fitness
  • Leadership - Grade 12 (C).
  • Health for Life - Grade 11 (O).
  • Healthy Active Living
  • Education - Grade 12 (O).
  • Related volunteer or
  • cooperative work experience.

Selection and Ranking Process:

  • For competitive programs (the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available places), selection will be based on the highest senior level final grade available at the time of ranking. Mid-term grades are not used for ranking purposes.
  • Testing or other supplemental evaluation may be required.

Note:

  • Secondary School grades from co-op courses and half credit courses are not considered.

Program Requirements

Criminal Reference Check (CRC):

  • Many employers have instituted a CRC with vulnerable sector screening as a requirement for appropriate field placements. The CRC will be required at the beginning of the program term 1. All costs associated with the certificate are the responsibility of the student.

Health Requirement:

  • The confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance form must be completed and mailed, faxed or emailed to Niagara College Health Services prior to the first day of Term 1. Requirements include proof of immunity to varicella, measles, mumps, rubella (2 doses), hepatitis B and tetanus diptheria. Students also must provide date of last pertussis immunization. Influenza vaccination is recommended. Documentation of a 2 step TB test is required prior to start of program.
  • Some placement sites require current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and/or First Aid certification.
  • All costs associated with CPR/First Aid, vaccinations and/or verification, are the responsibility of the student.
  • All health requirements must be met one month prior to the start of the placement term or a placement will be denied.

Transportation:

  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete field placement requirements. Niagara cannot guarantee placements that are readily accessible by public transportation. Students are responsible for all costs connected with such transportation.

Educational Pathways

Niagara College has articulated agreements providing students with degree completion and credit transfer opportunities with many other colleges and universities.

General Information
askNC

For information, inquiries or frequently asked questions, please askNC or email the InfoCentre at info@niagaracollege.ca.

Tours

For more information please contact the InfoCentre.

Welland: 905-735-2211, ext. 7559
NOTL: 905-641-2252, ext. 4208

We look forward to meeting you!

Employment

Attention Employers:
Post a job for grads, co-op students, part-time, summer or volunteer.

Attention Students:
View job postings now

Program Information

Term One
CAPL1199Computer Applications3
CMDV1207Volunteer Development3
COMM1133Writing Strategies3
HDEV1205Persons with Special Needs3
PSYC1076Behavioural Psychology3
RECL1127Leadership in Society3
RECL1139Introduction to Recreation3
RECL1201Field Placement Seminar I1
Term Two
CMDV1338Healthy Communities3
COMM1421Reporting Writing for Human Services2
RECL1206Recreation Programming3
RECL1227Leadership in Recreation3
RECL1300Field Placement Seminar II1
RECL1439Facilities Management3
 General Education Elective
(1 required)
3
PRAC1226Field Placement I2
Term Three
PHED1324Fitness and Health3
RECL1198Fundraising and Revenue Generation3
RECL1204Leisure Education2
RECL1219Recreation Marketing3
RECL1334Recreation Planning3
RECL1336Role of Government in Recreation3
RECL1396Field Placement Seminar III1
RECL1450Leisure and the Life Cycle3
PRAC1328Field Placement II2
Term Four
CMDV1454Community Development3
RECL1340Commercial and Entrepreneurial Recreation3
RECL1434Issues and Trends in Recreation3
RECL1438Organizational Management3
RECL1451Outdoor Recreation3
RECL1452Community Development Independent Project2
RECL1454Field Placement Seminar IV1
PRAC1428Field Placement III3

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