Therapeutic Recreation (B.S.) - Hegis Code 2199.00

(Bachelor of Science Degree)

Therapeutic recreation (TR) is the use of recreation, leisure, and play to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning to assist individuals in experiencing independent lifestyles and satisfying leisure experiences. Comprehensive TR involves a continuum of service that includes treatment, leisure education, and independent recreation participation. The therapeutic recreation major at Utica University is one of very few programs in the nation that is strictly designed to educate and graduate recreation therapists with a Bachelor of Science degree in therapeutic recreation. Graduates of this program meet the requirements of the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification to take the certification examination and become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. The program also is unique in that it is housed in the School of Health Professions and Education, which reflects the clinical-medical aspects of the major as well as the philosophical recreation foundation. Therapeutic Recreation graduates work in physical medicine and rehabilitation, mental and behavioral health, nursing homes and other programs serving older adults, residential care for people with developmental disabilities, youth programs, community based programs for people with and without disabilities…and other areas of professional accomplishment that demand a solid foundation in the liberal arts.

Special Requirements

The student in therapeutic recreation is required to achieve a minimum of C+ in each major course, a C average in major-related courses, and at least a B in the internship experience. Students must comply with the internship site rules and regulations regarding physical examinations and immunizations. Malpractice insurance is required for an internship course.

Learning Objectives

• Students will integrate an understanding of history, service models, theory, ethics, credentials, professional conduct, evidence-based practice, and professional development with therapeutic recreation practice.
• Students will develop competence to individually screen, assess, and systematically collect client data, develop individualized intervention plans, and utilize relevant documentation to track client progress toward attaining goals.
• Students will develop competence in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based therapeutic recreation intervention programs that identify functional outcome goals, modalities, and facilitation techniques used to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate client functioning and lead to the utilization and enhancement of an independent leisure lifestyle.
• Students will acquire specific skills with and knowledge of facilitation techniques in a range of modalities used as interventions for clients with medical and disabling conditions, disorders, and impairments affecting their physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and leisure functioning across the lifespan. 
• Students will develop competence in the management, administration, and advancement of the profession of therapeutic recreation.
• Students will integrate an understanding of global society from diverse ethnic and cultural perspectives to enhance understanding of the needs of culturally diversified therapeutic recreation programs.