In my 40s and loving my Day Program job. Is a fast-track Rec Therapy diploma worth it if I don’t want to work in hospitals?
Hey everyone,
I’m in my 40s and looking for some career advice from fellow recreation therapy professionals or anyone in the community support field.
For the past 10 years, I’ve worked in community support helping individuals with disabilities. I hold an Educational Support Certificate and Autism Certificates, as well as an older Business Diploma. Currently, I work as a Day Program Assistant for a truly wonderful organization. My day-to-day role is essentially recreation therapy, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this line of work.
Because I love it so much, I’m looking into upgrading my education. Since I already have a prior college diploma, I qualify for the online, 1-year Fast-Track Recreation Therapy program at Canadore College.
Here is my dilemma: I love my current company and have zero plans to leave them. Furthermore, I have absolutely no interest in working in hospitals or long-term care homes—I strictly want to stay in community-based day programs.
Given my 10 years of experience and current certificates, is spending the time and money to get the official Rec Therapy diploma worth it "just in case"? Will it open doors or give me leverage in the community/non-profit sector, or am I already qualified enough based on my heavy experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if you've done the Canadore program or work in Ontario! Thanks in advance.