The Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). COAPRT is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Upon successful completion of all college and certification requirements, graduates from both concentrations within the Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness program will be eligible to apply to take an examination to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association, and a Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) through the National Wellness Institute (NWI). Additionally, graduates with a Therapeutic Recreation concentration are eligible to apply to take a national exam to be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Therapeutic Recreation
The Therapeutic Recreation concentration prepares students for careers in health care and human service programs that serve individuals with disabilities, diagnoses, and/or other treatment related needs including age-related conditions (e.g., pediatric, geriatric), behavioral/mental health, substance addiction recovery, physical rehabilitation (e.g., acquired injuries), chronic illness, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, community inclusion, and adaptive sports and recreation. Examples of agencies that serve this clientele include hospitals, treatment centers, specialized schools/camps, inclusive public recreation, non-profit specialty agencies, and long-term care facilities.
Therapeutic Recreation & Pre-Occupational Therapy
The Therapeutic Recreation & Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration is designed for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness who intend to continue their studies in a Master of Occupational Therapy program. The curriculum provides the academic preparation required for eligibility to pursue certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and incorporates coursework that fulfills the typical prerequisites for graduate study in Occupational Therapy. Because prerequisite requirements differ among institutions, students are responsible for reviewing the specific admission criteria of their prospective graduate programs to ensure appropriate course planning.
Wellness Management
The Wellness Management concentration prepares students to work in a variety of recreation and wellness settings including outdoor recreation, youth development, and family-focused non-profit settings, armed forces MWR, corporate wellness, various fitness and wellness settings, and federal, state, and local public recreation and park agencies.
Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness, B.S. Learning Outcomes
Degree Requirements
Institutional Degree Requirements
Program-Specific Degree Requirements: To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness must earn a 2.0 or higher in each of the major requirements.