School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

Students participate in wheelchair basketball simulation

Recreation Therapy (B.A.)

Graduates in Recreation Therapy 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.

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).

Recreation Therapy Degree Program Mission:

The mission of the Recreation Therapy curriculum at UNCW 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.

Meet the Faculty »

Admissions
Program Information
- Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions
- Recommended Sequence of Courses (PDF)
- Recreation Therapy Degree Program Goal
- Student Learning Outcomes
- North Carolina Community Course Equivalents
- Student Handbook 2021-2022 (PDF)
- RTH 390 Pre-Internship Manual (PDF)
- Visit our UNCW Association of Recreation Therapy Facebook page
Advising
- Schedule An Appointment
NCTRC Pass Rates:

Year UNCW Pass Rate National Average Pass Rate

2021 95.2% 84.5%

2020 96% 85.3%

2019 94.3% 88.9%

2018 92% 86.5%

2017 96.6% 86.8%
Certification and Licensure

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 & Graduate School Information
News and Articles

Recreation Therapists are Nationally Credentialed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (nctrc.org).

Recreation Therapists are Licensed in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (ncbrtl.org ).

The 2018 pass rate on the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification Exam for UNCW students was 91% .

Watch the credential video.

News: The Success of Recreation Therapy for Veterans

Video: RT Students Love CHHS 2019 Convocation
Professional Organizations
- Therapeutic Recreation Directory
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
- North Carolina Recreational Therapy Association (NCRTA)
- NC Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL)
Students and Activities

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

The Recreation Therapy bachelor’s/Applied Gerontology master’s degree program is designed to provide qualified students the means to complete the requirements for both degrees in a period of five years. The key feature of the program is that a student can count up to 12 hours of graduate-level courses to satisfy requirements for the B.A. in Recreation Therapy and toward the M.S. in Applied Gerontology.

To view the program details and requirements for the Recreation Therapy, B.S. / Applied Gerontology M.S., please visit the course catalogue.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Tina Newsham

Meet the Recreation Therapy Faculty » Meet the Gerontology Faculty »