RU Interested in

RU Interested in . . .

RECREATION THERAPY

AT A GLANCE . . .
Department at RU:		Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Office Location:		Waldron Hall 300
Telephone		(540) 831-7720
Faculty Liaison: E-mail address:		Dr. Edward Udd, Chair eudd@radford.edu
College at RU:		Waldron College of Health and Human Services
Degree Type:		Bachelor of Science

AREA OF STUDY

Recreation therapy is a professional discipline that uses recreation activity as a means of helping individuals with disabling conditions progress toward better physical, emotional, social, and intellectual adjustment. In health-related facilities, recreation therapy specialists treat and rehabilitate individuals with specific physical and mental problems. In community-based leisure-service agencies a recreation therapy specialist would develop programs consistent with consumer needs and interests to promote and facilitate optimal leisure functioning. The purpose is to facilitate the development, expression, and maintenance of a meaningful lifestyle through therapy, leisure education programs, and recreation participation opportunities.

Duties:

A recreation therapy specialist develops and implements programs in an effective manner to assist in maintaining or improving a consumer’s health status, quality of life, and/or level of functioning.

Titles:

Activity Therapist; Recreation Therapist; recreation therapy Specialist, Supervisor or Director; Rehabilitative Therapist or Director; Patient Activity Therapist or Director; Consultant in recreation therapy; Residential Camp Director for Special Populations.

Employment settings:

Psychiatric Hospitals, General Medical Hospitals or Centers, Alcoholic and Substance Abuse Centers, Mental Health Institutes, Residential Institution for the Mentally Retarded, Developmental Disabilities Centers, Nursing Homes, Transitional Living Facilities, Camps for Special Populations (e.g., blind, mentally retarded, physically disabled), community-based leisure-service agencies which provide services to the disabled, and public school systems.

Starting salary range:

Depends on the level of responsibility, geographic location, education, experience, and size of staff. Starting range $22,000 - $28,000.

Employment opportunities vary among geographic locations. U.S. Labor Department projections indicate that through the year 2005, the rate of growth will increase much faster than the average of all occupations.

What personal characteristics should I possess to succeed in the field of recreation therapy?

Of special note is a sensitivity and concern for the welfare of people, as well as a genuine respect for human dignity. Other important characteristics include a maturity of judgment, a desire to serve, a sense of humor, the ability to work with many kinds of people, and ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs.

What academic strengths should I possess to be successful in recreation therapy?

Effective oral and written communication. Skills in various types of activities. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, abnormal psychology, as well as characteristics of illnesses and disabilities; specific delivery systems related to treatment, rehabilitation, and leisure, and the concepts of mainstreaming, normalization, and least restrictive environment. Courses in the social and behavioral sciences are required.

An internship of one semester (15 weeks, 600 hours) supervised by a certified professional is required of all students seeking a major in this field. Students are encouraged to seek one summer employment experience in the field prior to the internship.

What minor or concentration may enhance my career opportunities in recreation therapy?

A minor in any of the social and behavioral science areas can be useful, depending on your career goals. A second concentration in outdoor recreation/education is another consideration since many agencies use outdoor experiences in the rehabilitation process. The program in recreation therapy is highly structured and the opportunity to obtain a minor or a second concentration is limited.

What additional graduate/professional study, or certification is commonly required in this field?

Professional certification is becoming a requirement for entrance into the field. This is achieved through meeting specific academic requirements and passing a written national examination after graduation. A few states require licensure. An advanced degree (i.e., Masters in recreation therapy or Master in Parks and Recreation) is generally required for management and administrative level positions.