Recreation & Park Administration - Therapeutic Recreation
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
Therapeutic recreation is a human service profession. Professionals typically work in a community or clinical setting. Clients include people who have a disability, injury, illness or other health condition. Using play and other activities, therapists create a healthy physical and social environment.
Students in this major use theory in the classroom and the real world by completing two internships. The major also offers opportunities to attend conferences, participate in clubs, and study abroad. These activities help students develop a professional network.
Faculty in therapeutic recreation have awards for teaching, research, and service. They also conduct and publish research as well as write industry-leading textbooks.
Why Study Recreation & Park Administration - Therapeutic Recreation?
Therapeutic recreation has an important role in health. Participating in recreation-based treatment programs helps people improve and maintain their health. Therapists plan and host activities that include arts and crafts, fine arts, sports and games, aquatics, and community outings.
More recreational therapists will be needed as the baby-boom generation ages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 12 percent growth from 2014 to 2024 for the profession. This is faster than the average for all occupations.
Related Skills
- Possess strong interpersonal, communication, and other people skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Possess therapeutic program planning skills
- Ability to manage pressure well
- Possess the understanding of human behavior
- Good conflict resolving skills
- Empathy for others
- Appreciation for diversity
- Interest in social change
- Good listener and motivator
- Demonstrate proficiency in organizational skills
- Skilled in work in teams and with individuals of various ages, abilities, and backgrounds
- Writes and speaks proficiently
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Good multitasking capabilities
- Creative thinking ability
Being Successful in the Field
Internships
Therapeutic Recreation students gain valuable experience in the field their senior year. Here are a few places our students have gone to complete an internship.
- Children's Memorial Medical Center (Chicago, IL)
- Veteran's Administration Medical Center (Danville, IL)
- Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (Aurora, IL)
- Cunningham Children's Home (Urbana, IL)
- Advocate Christ Hospital (Oak Lawn, IL)
- DuPage Convalescent Center (Wheaton, IL)
- Texas Neuro Rehabilitation Center (Austin, TX)
Prior to the start of the senior internship, students are required to provide proof of certification in First Aid and CPR/AED Adult and Pediatrics and 400 documented hours of field experience.
Students graduating from the therapeutic recreation sequence who meet the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements are eligible to take the examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Related Fields
- Special recreation associations
- Substance abuse facilities
- Hospitals
- Mental health centers
- Long term care facilities
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Professional organizations in therapeutic recreation
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association
- Illinois Recreation Therapy Association
- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Career Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megan Kayfish | 110 Student Services Building | meturne@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-0735 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsey Nicholson | McCormick Hall 163 | lnkronm@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5972 |
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 15. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Minimum GPA
2.0
Middle 50% GPA
2.57 - 3.59
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
- Intro to Psychology (PSY 110)
- Anatomy & Physiology I (KNR 181 or BSC 181)
- Lifespan Development (PSY 213)
- Medical Terminology (HSC 105)
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mindy Kinney | McCormick Hall 250 | mdkinn2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names A-K |
| Daphyne Walker | McCormick Hall 250 | dlwalke@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names L-Z |
Middle 50% GPA
2.57 - 3.59
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Application Period
September 1 - September 30, February 1 - February 28
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mindy Kinney | McCormick Hall 250 | mdkinn2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names A-K |
| Daphyne Walker | McCormick Hall 250 | dlwalke@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names L-Z |