Therapeutic Activity Professionals Course Fall 2025
Sept. 23, 2025
9 a.m. EST
Virtual
Course
The total package for anyone wanting to become a champion of therapeutic care. Over six-months, 90 hrs of learning to ensure a robust knowledge-base mentored by a member of the leadership team.
The Therapeutic Activity Professional course is based upon 90 hours of instruction, designed to give students a theoretical framework of the profession, as well as provide knowledge of specific job functions, including client populations, approaches to care and documentation.
A second component of the course, to be completed concurrently, is a 90 hour field-experience practicum, where students will partner with an agency to be mentored by a member of the leadership team, complete assignments and have an opportunity for skills practice.
This comprehensive, evidence-informed program equips staff with practical tools and person-centred approaches to lead meaningful activities in long-term care environments.
🟣 Flexible online delivery
🟣 Ideal for new and experienced team members
🟣 Strengthens compliance with recreation and engagement standards
🟣 Promotes a culture of dignity, purpose, and joy
🟣 Recognized across the sector!
💰 Ask us about potential funding opportunities for long-term care organizations!
What are the goals?
- Students will develop an understanding of Therapeutic Recreation processes including assessment, goal setting and evaluation.
- Students will broaden their scope of understanding as it relates to programming of a holistic nature (person centred care).
- Students will develop professional skills that enable them to excel in a cooperative setting as part of a multi disciplinary team, as well as how to effectively self-manage and lead others in their roles.
- Students will gain confidence and skills that enable them to effectively educate stakeholders on the value and role of a Therapeutic Activity Professional.
When we focus on the person, not just the task, everyone benefits. 🌿
Person-centred care is an approach to care that respects and responds to the individual’s unique needs, values, preferences, and life history, ensuring they are active participants in decisions about their care.
Person-centred care isn’t just good for residents — it’s good for everyone. 💙
Research shows it leads to:
✅ Better health outcomes
✅ Higher satisfaction for those receiving care
✅ Lower burnout among staff
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s PC P.E.A.R.L.S.™ framework, person-centred activity programming supports well-being, dignity, and engagement in long-term care.
Engaging residents in meaningful activities tailored to their interests and abilities can:
- Enhance quality of life
- Support emotional and mental well-being
- Promote dignity and autonomy
- Improve physical health and cognitive function
- Strengthen relationships within the care community
- Reduce responsive behaviours, especially in individuals living with dementia
Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2014). PC P.E.A.R.L.S.â„¢: 7 key elements of person-centred care. https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/pcpearls_full_e.pdf
Topics covered in the Therapeutic Activity Professionals Course range widely, and are all are meant to propel students toward a person-centred approach.
Session topics include:
- Understanding dementia
- Developing meaningful person-centred actvity programs
- Documentation
- Narrative care
- Holistic interventions
- Music therapy
- Time management & communication
- And more!
Shelley Shillington
Senior Consultant and Trainer
Shelley has thirty- five years of experience working in a wide range of roles in long-term care, including senior management. She is a recognized leader in person-centred care and sustainable organizational transformation.
Shelley provides dementia care coaching, professional development, and consulting services for Person Centred Universe.
Shelley is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick - Bachelor of Physical Education program. Having a lifelong passion for working with the elders, it gives her great satisfaction to explore and develop new initiatives and programs to support the opportunity of choice to personhood.
Shelley is currently the chair of Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick and sits as a board member of the national federation of the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.