As the only therapeutic recreation program in the state, students have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in a variety of settings, such as adapted sports programs, healthcare agencies, and community based programs. Graduates consistently pass the national certification exam at a rate that exceeds the national average.
Students pursuing this degree to develop eligibility to sit for the national certification examination follow a sequenced curriculum building from knowledge of theory and techniques, service-learning where they practice applying this knowledge, and culminating with a dynamic internship placement with a practicing recreational therapist. For students already eligible for certification and seeking advanced study in therapeutic recreation, a thesis option is available where students will work with faculty to complete a research project as a culminating experience.
Students in each cohort include people with different backgrounds and career goals. This cohort environment contributes to collaborative peer learning and the development of lifelong professional affiliations.
The program in therapeutic recreation, also known as recreational therapy, prepares graduates to apply the theory and technique of using activity-based interventions as part of a systematic education or rehabilitation process. Students will develop professional competency grounded in evidence-based practices and experiential learning, appropriate for attaining the state and national certifications required for practice. The breadth of studies will prepare students to work in diverse settings supporting persons with a variety of disabling conditions.
Therapeutic recreation is an allied health profession that contributes to a broad scope of healthcare needs. Using experiential activities, the recreational therapist contributes to goals for improved functioning, prevention of secondary health conditions and enhanced living. Graduates work in treatment and residential facilities, community agencies and other agencies promoting the quality of life for persons with disabling conditions.
