Therapeutic Recreation

Students majoring in recreation management may choose an emphasis area in therapeutic recreation.  Therapeutic recreation prepares the student to utilize recreation to rehabilitate individuals, promote quality of life, redirect behaviors, or provide opportunities for inclusion in society.  Therapeutic recreation is directed toward the special needs population of our society, persons in correctional facilities and the elderly.

Professional Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation is part of the core and required by all recreation management majors. Those wanting to pursue the emphasis area of therapeutic recreation will be expected to enroll in Practices in Therapeutic Recreation, Issues in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and the Aging Process, and a field placement in therapeutic recreation.

You may find career opportunities with agencies that provide service for persons with physical and/or mental disabilities, agencies providing services for elderly, and agencies providing services for those persons placed in correctional facilities by our legal system.

Therapeutic recreation students have the option of pursuing certification after graduation through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).  The NCTRC is the governing body for certification and determines the requirements for certification.

At Huntington, students are directed to take the appropriate coursework as directed by the NCTRC and a field placement, 12 weeks/500 hour field placement with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Certification is not required to work in some areas of therapeutic recreation but is recommended by other areas.  Students not choosing to follow the requirements for the certification tract may take a practicum, internship and elective course to prepare them for area of therapeutic recreation interest.

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