Bachelor's in Recreational Therapy
About the Recreational Therapy Program
Students in the SRU recreational therapy department have an opportunity to work with a variety of clinical populations, engage in experiential learning and study evidence-based research in the field of recreational therapy. The curriculum provides a solid foundation for entry-level practice as a recreational therapist and also offers the opportunity to specialize with minors in the areas of animal assisted intervention, adventure fitness, aquatics, gerontology, psychology, adapted physical activity, exceptionalities (special education), criminology or nonprofit leadership. In addition to these minor/specialty options, the recreational therapy program provides a bridge to graduate studies in recreational therapy and related fields. .
What Can I Do With a Recreational Therapy Degree?
Do you aspire to help people recover from illness or disability and enhance their quality of life? Recreational therapists (RTs) use recreation, such as sports, art, games, aquatics and music, as well as activity-based interventions as treatment to help remedy symptoms, improve function and enhance the lives of individuals with a variety of needs. As a nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), you will be uniquely qualified to work with people experiencing illnesses and disabilities and to promote their independence, good health and well-being.
Why Choose an Recreational Therapy Degree?
- Coursework with integrated lab experiences: RT students are engaged in a variety of hands-on learning experiences both in and out of the traditional classroom. The program houses a RT clinical lab which offers students the opportunity to work with various clients in a clinical space much like they may find in practice.
- Experienced faculty: The RT faculty are nationally certified and have direct experience in various settings of service, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, behavioral health, gerontology, camps and community-based programs. They are all involved in both state and national professional leadership positions.
- Projects and research with faculty: RT majors have numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty in undergraduate research, project development and conference presentations that are long-standing traditions in the program.
- Support and guidance: Each student is assigned to a dedicated and experienced faculty member within the department who guides students in their educational journey. These faculty members provide advice on coursework, practical experience opportunities and career options.
- Accreditation: Our program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs/Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education. Accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds the industry standards developed by experts in the field and endorsed by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. SRU was one of the first schools in the country to obtain this accreditation.
