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.
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.
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:
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.
Recreation Therapists work in these and many other environments:
Recreation Therapists also work alongside the following professions:
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Megan Kayfish | 208 Bone Student Center | meturne@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Name | Office | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Rachel Smith, CTRS | McCormick Hall 169 | trinterns@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8368 |
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
2.00
2.19 - 3.09
None
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mindy Kinney | McCormick Hall 250 | mdkinn2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names A-G |
Megan Taylor | McCormick Hall 250 | mltayl3@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names H- |
Daphyne Walker | McCormick Hall 250 | dlwalke@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names N-Z |
2.00
2.19 - 3.09
Applications are always available.
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mindy Kinney | McCormick Hall 250 | mdkinn2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names A-G |
Megan Taylor | McCormick Hall 250 | mltayl3@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names H- |
Daphyne Walker | McCormick Hall 250 | dlwalke@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names N-Z |