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Recreation Therapy, B.A. Details

Recreation Therapy, B.A.

Recreation Therapy graduates are trained to utilize 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. Their services 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.

Program Mission

Our mission is to prepare students to successfully enter ever-changing health care and human service systems with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent practitioners and leaders in the field of recreation therapy and health care.

This preparation places a priority on the development of skills through applied learning experiences in classes, practica, internships, and community involvement. Further, student outcomes emphasize critical thinking and evidence based practice as means of assisting clients and organizations reach their goals, and maximize the quality of life of individuals.

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Admissions
Program Information
NCTRC Pass Rates
Student Opportunities
Certification & Licensure
Career Information

The priority application deadlines are September 15 for Spring semester admission and February 15 for Fall semester admission.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by the priority deadline to ensure full consideration. Historically, applicants were required to complete 50 hours of experience working with individuals with disabilities, disabling conditions, or illnesses to apply to the major. However, starting Spring 2025 and until further notice, this requirement will no longer be in place. Although such experience is no longer mandatory, it is recommended as a way to help applicants make an informed decision about pursuing the major and the profession.

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For NC Community College Transfer Students

Advising

Schedule an appointment with a Student Success advisor.

Recreation Therapy, B.A. + Applied Gerontology, M.S.

The combined Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Therapy and Master of Science degree in Applied Gerontology program offers an accelerated path toward a Master of Science degree that prepares graduates to work in healthcare and community-based settings serving older adults. Graduates from this program are also trained to be leaders in the intersections of recreation therapy, gerontology, and wellness.

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NCTRC Pass Rates
Year UNCW Pass Rate National Average Pass Rate
2023 90% 85.4%
2022 92.1% 84.5%
2021 95.2% 84.5%
2020 96% 85.3%
2019 94.3% 88.9%
2018 92% 86.5%
2017 96.6% 86.8%

Get Involved

A big part of an well-rounded, successful and fun college experience happens outside the classroom. Participating in student organizations gives you the chance to get to know your classmates, explore new interests and discover who you are.

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Assistance Dog Training Minor

  • Gain a sense of pride knowing they have trained a dog to help someone who needs assistance. 

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Community Partnerships

UNCW degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for applicable exams. However, requirements in other states may be different. If you are considering a degree program that in order to qualify for a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time UNCW may or may not be able to advise whether the program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.

Career Information

Professional Organizations

Assistance Dog Training

The first-of-its-kind, UNCW's Assistance Dog Training Program focuses on integrating assistance dogs into clinical & educational practice. Gain experience with 24/7 care & training of a Service & facility Dog. Complete the program & receive your Assistance Dog - Public Access Trainer certification!

Service dog assists student at graduate by holding their temporary diploma.

Service Dogs Help

Service dogs help with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and behavior disorders, primarily in children, veterans & wounded warriors, and individuals with physical disabilities.

Service dog assists athlete in wheelchair

4 Courses

The Assistance Dog Training Program is a sequence of four courses. Students must complete the courses in sequential order. Students are selected for the last 2 classes based on their academic performance in the previous courses.

Service dogs graduate from training with the their student trainers by their side.

Optional Course

Our program provides an optional, in-depth course to learn about Facility Dogs. It will inform their future professional practice as recreation therapists, social workers, mental health practitioners, health care providers, and teachers.

Service dog being pet by students

Get a Minor!

Our minor in assistance dog training prepares students to be dog trainers and use animal-assisted interventions in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and long-term facilities. In addition, coursework requires field experience working with assistance dogs in training and individuals with disabilities.

Assistance Dog Trainer Minor
Our mascot Sammy Seahawk pets a service dog
Accreditation

logo for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. A dark blue box has CAAHEP white lettering.The UNCW Recreation Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation by the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE).

Contact the Recreation Therapy Program

Brent Hawkins, Ph.D. | Program Coordinator & Associate Professor

Phone: (910) 962-3717

hawkinsb@uncw.edu

School of Health & Applied Human Sciences

For questions regarding admissions, advising, transfers and program of study, please contact the CHHS Student Success Center at (910) 962-3208 or chhs@uncw.edu.