• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

The Recreational Therapy (RT) major prepares students to assume positions as recreational therapists. All students graduating from this program are eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination.  The Recreational Therapy program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the field of recreational therapy as follows: “Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence and reduce or eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, therapists help people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. Recreational therapists are different from recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment. In acute healthcare settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities—especially structured group programs—to improve and maintain their clients' general health and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the client from suffering further medical problems and complications.”

Degree Requirements

This is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness Design with a major in Recreational Therapy. The major prepares students to assume positions as recreation therapy specialists. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Professionals assess individuals' needs, plan, and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. All students graduating from the major are eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination. Graduation requirements include:

• completion of general education requirements.
• completion of the Recreational Therapy major requirements.
• a minimum of 120 successfully completed credit hours that count toward the degree program.
• a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• no pass/fail except for free electives.

General Education (20-39 credits)

All undergraduate students must complete the IU Bloomington General Education Common Ground Requirements.

Major (68-75 cr.)

A combined 2.0 cumulative GPA in courses used to complete the Anatomy and Physiology requirement, RT Specialization courses, and RT Core courses.

Anatomy and Physiology (3-10 cr.)
Complete one of the following options for Anatomy & Physiology:

OPTION 1: This requirement may be met by completing the following one-course combination of Anatomy and Physiology:

• MSCI-M 115 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (3 cr.) +(N&M) (3 cr.)

OPTION 2: Alternatively, students may meet this requirement by completing the following individual courses in Anatomy and Physiology:

• ANAT-A 225 Human Anatomy (5 cr.) +(N&M) -or- SPH-K 205 Structural Kinesiology (3 cr.) +(N&M)
• PHSL-P 225 Human Physiology (5 cr.) +(N&M)

Recreational Therapy Specialization (38 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses with a minimum grade of C-:

• SPH-Y 225 Disability, Health, and Function (3 cr.)
• SPH-Y 277 Foundations of Recreational Therapy Practice (3 cr.)
• SPH-Y 378 Recreational Therapy Assessment and Planning (4 cr.) (P: SPH-Y 277)
• SPH-Y 379 Recreational Therapy Facilitation: Techniques and Evaluation (4 cr.) (P: SPH-Y 225 -and- SPH-Y 378 -and- Recreational Therapy Major)
• SPH-Y 397 Recreational Therapy Internship and Professional Preparation (3 cr.) (P: SPH-Y 277 -and- Recreational Therapy Major -and- senior)
• SPH-Y 470 Contemporary Issues in Recreational Therapy (3 cr.) (P: SPH-Y 277)
• SPH-Y 472 Recreational Therapy in the Health Care Environment (3 cr.) (P: SPH-Y 378)

Complete each of the following courses:

• PSY-P 101 Introductory Psychology 1 (3 cr.) +(N&M)
• PSY-P 102 Introductory Psychology 2 (3 cr.) +(S&H) (P: PSY-P 101)
• PSY-P 324 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.) (P: PSY:P 155 -or- PSY-P 101 -and- PSY-P 102)
• SPH-F 150 Introduction to Life Span Development (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• SPH-K 398 Adapted Physical Activity (3 cr.)

Recreational Therapy Core (27 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses:

• SPH-R 200 Health & Happiness by Design (3 cr.) +(S&H)
• SPH-R 210 Inclusion in Health & Wellness Design (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 311 Management in Health & Wellness Design (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 314 Data-Based Decision-Making Methods (3 cr.)
• SPH-R 410 Event Planning and Program Development (3 cr.) (P: junior or senior)
• SPH-R 497 Professional Internship (12 cr.) (P: SPH-R 312 -and- 2.0 GPA -and- completion of 320 Field Experience Hours)

+ Courses with a N&M notation may apply toward both major requirements and the general education, natural and mathematical sciences requirement.

+ Courses with a S&H notation may apply toward both major requirements and the general education, social and historical studies requirement.