Recreation & Park Administration - Therapeutic Recreation

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.

The Illinois State Therapeutic Recreation program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions.

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. Listed below are the names of just a few of the places our students have completed senior internships:

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
• VA Illiana Health Care System (Danville, IL)
• Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (Aurora, IL)
• Cunningham Children's Home (Urbana, IL)
• DuPage Care Center (Wheaton, IL)
• UnityPoint Health-Methodist (Peoria, IL)
• St. Louis VA Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks (St. Louis, MO)
• Northwest Special Recreation Association (Rolling Meadows, IL)
• Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (Chicago, IL)
• Rocky Mountain MS Center(Westminster, CO)

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

Recreation Therapists work in these and many other environments:

• Special recreation associations
• Substance abuse facilities
• Hospitals
• Mental health centers
• Long term care facilities
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Veterans Administration
• Corrections
• Schools
• Outdoor Adventure Therapy Centers
• Adapted Sport Training Facilities
• Camps

Recreation Therapists also work alongside the following professions:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Child Life
• Nursing
• Kinesiotherapy
• Music therapy
• Art therapy
• Speech Language Pathology/Audiology
• Athletic Training
• Psychiatry
• Nutrition
• Special Education

Professional organizations in therapeutic recreation

• American Therapeutic Recreation Association
• Illinois Recreation Therapy Association
• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.19 - 3.09

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Intro to Psychology (PSY 110)
• Anatomy & Physiology I (KNR 181 or BSC 181)
• Lifespan Development (PSY 213)
• Medical Terminology (HSC 105)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.19 - 3.09

Application Period

Applications are always available.

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising