Description

There is a rising need for recreation therapy specialists with extensive knowledge of clinical settings. This program provides students much of the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Certified Recreation Therapy Specialist and be competitive in this field.

The BS program in recreation therapy prepares students for national professional certification in therapeutic recreation. The program is designed for students who have an interest in providing therapeutic interventions and adaptive recreation services in a variety of settings for individuals with social problems, illnesses and disabling conditions. Students develop knowledge and skills to assess individuals, develop plans of service, provide diverse therapeutic interventions, and evaluate and document outcomes of care. They gain competencies to effectively provide comprehensive therapeutic recreation services that include program design and evaluation, individual and group service provision, and advocating for individuals. The required internship component of the program allows students to gain practical experience in the therapeutic recreation field.

Students who choose this degree program are truly committed to improving people's lives and contributing to their communities. This degree program is one of two such programs in Arizona, both offered by the School of Community Resources and Development. This degree has a heavier emphasis on clinical settings such as hospitals and other health care facilities while the BS parks and recreation (therapeutic recreation) is more oriented toward community settings such as parks and recreation departments and state health services departments.

Recreation therapy is a rapidly growing field, given the rising number of returning veterans and an aging population. Graduates are prepared for work in a wide variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers and extended care facilities. Graduates also are qualified to work in community settings such as parks and recreation departments.