Recreation: Therapeutic Emphasis (B.S.RECR)

62 MAJOR HOURS, 128 DEGREE HOURS

Recreational therapists provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or other disabling conditions. Therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well being of clients using a variety of techniques, including the use of arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music and community outings. Therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. They also help individuals recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence, and socialize effectively to enable greater independence, as well as to reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability.

The Therapeutic Recreation emphasis includes courses in assessment, treatment and program planning, intervention design and evaluation. Students also study human anatomy, physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, professional ethics, and the use of assistive devices and technology. Certification for the recreational therapist can be obtained from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). To become certified, specialists must have a Bachelor degree, pass a written certification examination, and complete an internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The current internship requirement is 480 contact hours. Please consult the Recreation faculty for further details.