School of Hospitality, Tourism and Applied Aesthetics
Recreation and Tourism Management
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People today are hungry for authentic experiences. They want to live large and connect with a community, both at home and on their travels. Sask Polytech's revamped and reimagined Recreation and Tourism Management (RTM) diploma program gives you the knowledge and skills you need to create, deliver and manage these experiences.

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Start date

September

Length

69 weeks

Locations(s)

Saskatoon

Length and location notes

Year 1 - 32 weeks; Year 2 - 37 weeks

What sets the RTM program apart is that we develop managers and leaders--energetic, passionate people who want to make a difference in the industry. Our grads are community leaders, industry innovators, social entrepreneurs and change-makers. The RTM program prepares you to join their ranks with applied learning in:

  • basic business and computer skills
  • cultural and community-based learning
  • environmental sustainability
  • leadership and management skills
  • 195 hours applied, practical learning
  • fund development and partnerships
  • group tours, guiding and local capital
  • municipal tourism management
  • outdoor programming
  • program and event planning
  • sport management
Keep it real
The revamped RTM curriculum puts even more emphasis on applied learning opportunities, including an innovative service industry lab, Indigenous knowledge sharing, seasonal camps and onsite learning at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
Small classes, lifelong friends
With average class sizes of 20-25 students, you'll enjoy a personalized learning experience and one-on-one time with instructors. The close relationships you build here will provide a solid foundation for growing your professional network.
2 + 2 diploma to degree
Use your RTM diploma to ladder into degree programs at Athabasca University, Langara College, Royal Roads University or University of Regina.

Career and salary information

Your career

Our well-rounded curriculum lets you take your career in many directions--recreation, tourism, sports, leisure development, facility management, special events and more. Look for management and administrative opportunities with municipal leisure departments, regional tourism associations, community development organizations, sport organizations, health districts, fitness facilities, provincial/national parks and more. The choice of career opportunities is tailor-made for go-getters who love the active lifestyle and want to play a bigger role in local economic and social development.

Potential careers

Sample job title NOC classification
Director, leisure programs Recreation, sports & fitness program & service directors (50012)
Recreation programmer Recreation, sports & fitness policy resarchers, consultants & program officers (41406)
Community social development officer Social policy researchers, consultants & program officers (41403)
Tourism development officer Business development officers & market researchers & analysts (41402)

Admissions

Admission requirements

 Note:

  • Students will need to have experience with basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office prior to entering the program.
  • The program delivers several courses in off site and camp settings. These courses require overnight stays.

Alternative admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 243 Reading
  • 241 Writing
  • 4 Writeplacer

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

2024-25 academic year

Year 1 - $8,540

Year 2 - $11,080

International students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Semester information only pertains to full-time/on-campus students, and part-time/online students should view course prerequisites when scheduling courses.

Get credit for what you know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

Transfer credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Institution Details
Athabasca University Graduates of this program may receive 30-60 block credits towards one of the following programs at Athabasca University: Bachelor of Commerce (PD), Bachelor of Commerce with Major (PD), Bachelor of Management 3 Yr (PD), Bachelor of Human Resources Labour Relations (PD).
Royal Roads University Graduates of this program may receive a block tranfer of 60 credit units and be eligible for admission into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management degree.
University of Regina Graduates of this program receive a block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies - Sport and Recreation Management Major.

Langara College

 Graduates of this program with a 2.33 GPA, (including 6 credits of first year university-transferable English or Communications courses with a minimum grade of C) may be admitted directly into the third year of the Langara College Bachelor of Recreation Management Degree program (BRM).

Food and Nutrition Management

Hotel and Restaurant Management