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Recreation Therapy, B.A.

The Seriously Fun Therapy
  • 96%

    Pass Rate on NCTRC Exam

  • 100%

    Of Alumni are Employed Or Attending Graduate School

Recreation Therapy

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Learn To

Integrate an understanding of history, service models, theory/philosophy, ethics, credentials, professional conduct, evidence-based practice and professional development with recreation therapy practice

Demonstrate competence to individually screen, assess and systematically collect comprehensive and accurate data about patients/clients in an efficient and effective manner and to analyze the data collected to determine the course of actions subsequent to an individualized treatment/program plan

Demonstrate competence in the planning and development of individualized treatment plans that identify functional outcome goals, modalities, facilitation techniques and interventions based on assessment data collected and evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of specific medical, psychiatric and other disabling conditions; and in the use of structured, systematic and evidence-based treatment interventions and facilitation techniques to improve patient/client functioning and independence in activities

Demonstrate competence to implement the individualized treatment/program plan using appropriate evidence-based treatment interventions and programs to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate patient/client functioning as well as to reduce or eliminate the limitations to participation in the life activities resulting from medical, psychiatric, or other disabling conditions

Demonstrate competence in using specific modality/skills and facilitation techniques used as treatment interventions in recreation therapy practice

Find your career in:

Areas of focus during Recreational Therapy interventions include, but are not limited to:

  • Healthy lifestyle and routine
  • Stress management
  • Coping strategies
  • Accessing community resources to reduce isolation and promote independence
  • Social interactions and effective relationship building
  • Emotional processing and regulation
  • Healthy decision-making
  • Self-esteem and self-worth

When working with children and adolescents with special healthcare needs, the specific purpose of Recreational Therapy is to:

  • Help recover from the illness/condition
  • Develop necessary skills for successful participation in social and leisure activities
  • Alleviate the impact of hospitalization or disability on a child's play and social development
  • Transition safely out of the hospital or treatment facility with a plan for a healthy leisure lifestyle

Areas of focus during Recreational Therapy services include, but are not limited to:

  • Improving physical functioning (such as balance, strength and endurance) through activity participation, exercise and aquatics programs
  • Identifying resources within the community so the individual can actively participate in life activities including accessible facilities and adaptive sports
  • Teaching new or adaptive leisure skills and the use of adaptive equipment
  • Participating in community-based programs for socialization, support, physical fitness, and adaptive sports
  • Integrating back into the community and community activities following a disability or chronic illness
  • Promoting active aging, wellness and healthy living

Areas of focus during Recreational Therapy interventions include, but are not limited to:

  • Reducing depression, stress and anxiety
  • Improving motor functioning
  • Increasing cognitive skills
  • Assisting to establish routines
  • Increasing tolerance and endurance for participation in life and social activities
  • Improving social interaction and skills
  • Enhancing coping skills
  • Maintaining strength, balance and endurance
  • Assisting with community integration after an illness or disabling condition
  • Promoting active aging, wellness and healthy living

Examples of how RTs apply this knowledge and skills into action within a PMR setting include:

  • Improving physical, cognitive, and social functioning through activity and community participation
  • Building a healthy leisure lifestyle that supports continued recovery, health promotion and quality of life
  • Fabricating and training in the use of adaptive equipment to maximize activity and community engagement and recovery
  • Providing community integration training during which physical, cognitive, and social skills are challenged and enhanced

Recreational Therapists design interventions and programs to assist students with disabilities in a variety of settings, including:

  • Preschool, elementary, secondary and 18–22-year-old transition programs (public, private, residential and charter schools)
  • Before and after school programs
  • Extracurricular activities and programs
  • School-based clubs and organizations
  • Community recreation programs

When working with active military and veterans, the specific purposes of Recreational Therapy are to:

  • Restore physical and mental functioning
  • Facilitate home and community reintegration
  • Increase family functioning
  • Promote quality of life for veterans, service members and their supporters
Recreation Therapy, B.A., Program Overview

Trained to Use Recreation Activities

Graduates in recreation therapy are trained to use recreation activities and other active treatment modalities to increase the functional abilities and quality of life of people of all ages with disabilities and illnesses.

Your services will complement physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well other allied health and human services to address clients' adjustment to illness/disability and education for a new lifestyle.

Upon completion of the B.A. in recreation therapy, you will be eligible to be credentialed as Licensed Recreation Therapists (LRT) by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) after receiving a satisfactory score on the NCTRC national certification exam, and prior to completing the requirements for the master’s degree in gerontology.

students play wheelchair basketball with faculty at the recreation center gym.

Sample Courses in Recreation Therapy, B.A.

Sample Courses
RTH 265 Intro to Recreation Therapy
ATR 220 Functional & Structural Kinesiology
ATR 470 Medical Terminology for Health Professions
RTH 370 Recreation Therapy in Physical Rehabilitation
RTH 372 Recreation Therapy in Behavioral Health
RTH 375 Recreation Therapy Processes & Techniques
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Apply?

You will need a 2.5 cumulative GPA, 45 earned credit hours prior to beginning the RTH program, successful completion of EXS 216/217 or BIO 240/241, or transfer equivalency (EXS 217 or BIO 241 can be in progress); and a minimum of 50 hours experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities, disabling conditions or illnesses (requirement is suspended until further notice).

Completed applications must include (a) essay, (b) signed technical standards, and (c) current degree audit must be submitted by Feb. 15 for priority consideration for fall admission, and Sept. 15 priority consideration for spring admission. After the priority deadlines, applications will be reviewed if there is space available.

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