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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Blended
Duration
9 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Child Recreation Programmes | Recreation Therapy | Youth Recreation Programmes
Area of study
Welfare
Education type
Blended
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2024-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


The Activity Assistant program at UFV prepares students for careers in long-term care settings. The program offers a combination of online coursework and in-person practicums, providing students with the knowledge and skills to plan and implement activities that promote wellness for older adults. The program is ideal for individuals seeking quick entry into the healthcare field or care aides wanting to expand their skill set. The Activity Assistant field is expected to see a significant increase in job openings in the next 10 years due to the aging population.

Program Outline

The program is ideal for individuals looking for quick entry into the healthcare field or care aides wanting to expand their skill set.


Delivery:

  • Part-time
  • Online coursework with some Saturdays on-campus (students outside Fraser Valley to remain online)
  • In-person practicums

Duration:

9 months


Format:

  • No scheduled meeting times except one optional weekly lecture
  • Date and time of lecture determined at program start

Courses:

  • ACTA 10: Fundamental Concepts for Activity Assistants (Online, 30 hours)
  • ACTA 20: Wellness and Well-Being in Activity (Online, 30 hours)
  • ACTA 30: Interpersonal and Communication Skills in Dementia Care (Online, 30 hours)
  • ACTA 40: Understanding the Population of Older Adults (Online, 30 hours)
  • ACTA 50: Practicum Orientation: Introduction to Care Settings (In-class, 10 hours pre-practicum)
  • ACTA PRAC 1: Practicum #1 (30 hours, observational)
  • ACTA 60: Activity Design and Implementation Techniques (In-class, 30 hours)
  • ACTA 70: Activity Adaptation and Modification for Physical and Cognitive Changes in Older Adults (In-class, 30 hours)
  • ACTA 80: Responding and Managing Responsive Behaviours (In-class, 30 hours)
  • Employment Preparation (In-class, 10 hours)
  • ACTA PRAC 2: Practicum #2 (90 hours, hands-on, practical)

Practicum:

  • Two practicums: one 30-hour observational practicum and one 90-hour hands-on practicum
  • Practicum placements reflect business practices of host setting, with varying shift schedules
  • Students may be placed in Abbotsford even if they live in Chilliwack
  • Students outside the Lower Mainland need to find and submit their own practicum site
  • Missing a practicum requires contacting Continuing Education immediately due to extenuating circumstances

Careers:

  • Activity assistant
  • Activity aide
  • Activity worker
  • Care/activity aide
  • Activity coordinator
  • Therapy recreation wellness assistant
  • Recreation assistant
  • Recreation aide
  • Recreation worker
  • Recreation programmer
  • Life enrichment assistant
  • Opportunities available in long-term care homes, residential homes, community mental health centres, adult day care programs, hospice care, community centres, private homes, and even cruise ships

Other:

  • The Activity Assistant field is expected to see the largest increase in job openings in the next 10 years due to the aging population.
  • Most activity assistants are employed by healthcare agencies and work in long-term care homes.
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Courses


Overview:

University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. UFV is known for its commitment to accessibility and its focus on providing a student-centered learning experience.


Services Offered:

UFV provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Advising:

    Guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.

    Library:

    Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.

    Student Services:

    Support for student life, including financial aid, career counseling, and health and wellness services.

    IT Service Desk:

    Technical support for students and faculty.

    Bookstore:

    Purchase textbooks, course materials, and UFV merchandise.

    Shuttle Bus:

    Transportation between UFV campuses and surrounding areas.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UFV offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in a variety of activities, including:

    Clubs and Organizations:

    Join student groups based on interests, hobbies, and career aspirations.

    Athletics:

    Participate in varsity sports or recreational activities.

    Events:

    Attend campus events, concerts, and workshops.

    Community Engagement:

    Get involved in volunteer opportunities and community initiatives.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Accessible and Inclusive Environment:

    UFV is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students.

    Student-Centered Approach:

    The university prioritizes student success and provides personalized support.

    Diverse Programs:

    A wide range of academic programs cater to various interests and career goals.

    Strong Faculty:

    Experienced and dedicated faculty members provide high-quality instruction.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    Opportunities for students to connect with peers, explore their passions, and build a sense of community.

Academic Programs:

UFV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

    Agriculture:

    Agricultural Science, Agriculture Management, Agriculture Technology, and various certificates.

    Aviation:

    Aviation Diploma, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, and Integrated Studies with an Aviation theme.

    Business and Management:

    Accounting, Applied Business Technology, Aviation Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing and Sales, and various certificates.

    Computer Systems and Technology:

    Architectural Drafting Technician, Automation and Robotics Technician, Computer Information Systems, Computing Science, Digital Manufacturing, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Library Information and Technology, Media Arts, and Data Analysis.

    Creative Arts and Design:

    Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts, and various diplomas.

    Earth and Environmental Sciences:

    Agricultural Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geography, Physical Geography, and Geographic Information Systems.

    Education:

    Adult Education, Early Childhood Education, Education, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Integrated Learning Design, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, School and Community Support Worker, and Teaching English as a Second Language.

    Graduate Studies:

    Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership and Mentorship, Migration and Citizenship, Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning, Program Evaluation, and Social Work.

    Health Sciences and Services:

    Certified Dental Assistant, Child Life and Community Health, Health Care Assistant, Kinesiology, Nursing, and Practical Nursing.

    History and Culture:

    Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Art History, Arts, Creative Writing, Diaspora Studies, English, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Language Proficiency, Latin American Studies, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Stó:lō Studies, and Theatre.

    Indigenous Studies:

    Indigenous Studies, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus), and Stó:lō Studies.

    Interdisciplinary Programs:

    Diaspora Studies, Early Modern Studies, General Studies, Global Development Studies, Graphic Design, India-Canada Studies, Indigenous Studies, Integrated Learning Design, Integrated Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and various certificates.

    Media and Communications:

    Arts, Communications, Creative Writing, English, Essentials of Journalism, French, Graphic and Digital Design, Language Proficiency, Liberal Arts, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Media Literacy, and Professional Communications Essentials.

    Office Administration:

    Applied Business Technology, Advanced Medical Office Assistant, Bookkeeping for Small Business, Dental Office Receptionist, Legal Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Nursing Unit Clerk, Records Management, and Veterinary Administrative Assistant.

    Legal and Criminal Justice:

    Criminal Justice, Political Science, Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, and various diplomas.

    Sciences:

    Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering Common Core, Engineering Physics, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Geography, Physics, Data Analysis, Science, and various diplomas.

    Social Work & Human Services:

    Child and Youth Care, Diaspora Studies, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, School and Community Support Worker, Social Service Worker, Social Work, and various diplomas.

    Society, Politics, and Policy:

    Applied Ethical and Political Philosophy, Arts, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, Global Development Studies, International and Development Studies, Liberal Arts, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Program Evaluation, Psychology, and Sociology.

    Trades:

    Architectural Drafting Technician, Collision Repair and Refinish, Automation and Robotics Technician, Automotive Service, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Digital Manufacturing, Electrician, Electronics Technician, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Plumbing and Piping, Trades Management, and Welding.

    Upgrading:

    Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, and Workplace TASK.

Other:

UFV is situated on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The university acknowledges and respects the Stó:lō's historical and cultural connection to the land.

Total programs
153
Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
  • English Proficiency: Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following methods:
  • A minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS Academic test
  • A minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL iBT test
  • Completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at UFV with a grade of B or higher.

Additional Requirements:

  • Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from an employer or volunteer organization where they have completed at least 20 hours of work or volunteering in an adult care setting.
  • Health Assessment: Applicants must have a health assessment completed by their doctor, verifying their physical fitness and mental and emotional well-being.
  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening: Applicants must complete a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
  • Immunization Record: Applicants must provide their immunization records or have their doctor complete a Health Practicum Student Immunization Record if they do not have records.
  • First Aid Certificate: Applicants must have an up-to-date First Aid certificate.
  • Foodsafe Certificate: Applicants must have an up-to-date Foodsafe Level 1 certificate or Level 1 Refresher.

Additional Notes:

  • Applicants who are unable to meet the volunteer hours requirement by the program start date can email the Continuing Education department.
  • The Criminal Record Check will be automatically sent to Continuing Education upon completion, but applicants must submit the other documents themselves.
  • Applicants living outside the Lower Mainland may need to find their own practicum site and submit it to the Continuing Education department for approval.
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