Study Therapeutic Recreation
Major in Recreation Services, Sport and Hospitality Management with an Emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation
Design interventions that enhance physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health.
Common activities designed by our therapeutic recreation students encompass:
- Adaptive sports
- Art and music therapy
- Leisure education
- Team-building exercises
Therapeutic Recreation is centered around research. We consistently test and adapt intervention programming. In previous years, our students have showcased their work at conferences, presenting projects that evaluate the health and fitness of Special Olympics athletes.
Design custom interventions by collaborating with local schools, elderly care facilities, and organizations such as Special Olympics.
Hundreds come to campus for programming completely designed and led by Pitt State students.
An experiential classroom with equipment like a custom hand-cycle, goal balls, beeper balls, and wheelchairs for hands-on experience in activities and interventions.
Therapeutic Recreation Instagram
See all of the great things we do both in the classroom and in the community! We share success stories, innovative projects, and academic achievements of students and alumni.
Connect on SocialWhat are therapeutic interventions?
Therapeutic recreation interventions encompass a wide range of purposeful and structured activities designed to improve functioning in individuals with various abilities and needs.
These interventions are tailored to the individual's specific goals and objectives and are implemented by trained therapeutic recreation professionals.
Careers in Therapeutic Recreation
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: design personalized recreational programs for individuals with diverse abilities to enhance their well-being.
- Expressive Therapist: employ creative modalities to help individuals express and process their emotions effectively.
- Activity Therapist: build engaging activities and exercises tailored to promote mental and physical wellness among participants.
- Life Enrichment Coordinator: execute meaningful experiences to enhance quality of life.
- Director of Recreation: oversee the strategic planning and implementation of recreational programs.
Students completing the Therapeutic Recreation emphasis are eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Exam.
Work settings for Recreation Therapists
- Schools and special education centers
- Assisted living communities
- Corrections facilities
- Summer camps
- Physical rehabilitation centers and adapted sports facilities
- Retirement communities
- Community recreation departments
- School systems
- Behavioral health hospitals
Additional information
for the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
Catalog – see program guides