Therapeutic Recreation Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

The Therapeutic Recreation Post-Baccalaureate Certificate prepares students to deliver therapeutic recreation services. Services include assessing individuals, planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs for people with disabilities, illnesses, and special needs, many of whom may need assistance in developing skills for leisure involvement. An individual pursuing a career in Therapeutic Recreation is involved in using recreation as a tool to work with people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness, limitations due to aging, dependency on alcohol or other drugs, or work with youth considered at-risk. Graduates may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare agencies, correctional facilities, schools, parks and recreation agencies, and other health and human service agencies.

Upon completion of the degree from the CSU accredited program students qualify to pursue certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (www.nctrc.org) and/or Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) via a national examination by the National Parks and Recreation Association (www.nrpa.org).

CTRS Certification (18 or 27 credit hours)

REC 5300 - Overview of Therapeutic Recreation Services Credit Hours: 3
REC 5310 - Clinical Practices in Therapeutic Recreation Credit Hours: 3
REC 5320 - Program Design and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation Credit Hours: 3
REC 5410 - Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Credit Hours: 3
REC 5430 - Administration of Therapeutic Recreation Services Credit Hours: 3
REC 5440 - Issues, Trends and Contemporary Problems in Therapeutic Recreation Credit Hours: 3
AND
REC 5750 - Field Experience and Community Recreation/Professional Involvement Credit Hours: 9
(OR)

1 year of continuous employment under supervision of a current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The program advisor and the Graduate School must approve one year of work experience within the first semester of enrollment.

General Requirements

Be proficient computer and internet user.

Proof of passing the following supportive courses in their bachelor’s degree or within five years of entering the certificate program:

Anatomy and physiology
Abnormal psychology
Human Growth and Development across the lifespan or equivalent.

Specific Requirements

Pass all six courses with a grade of “C” or better.
Proof of passing the supportive courses.
Proof of one year of paid work experience under the supervision of a CTRS (or equivalent as determined by NCTRC) or complete an internship.