Recreational therapy refers to the prescribed use of recreational and other activities as treatment interventions to improve the functional living competence of persons with mental, emotional, and/or social disadvantages.
Often working as a member of a clinical treatment team, the recreational therapist uses a wide variety of techniques, including:
- Art, music and dance
- Aquatic therapy
- Structured social events
- Ropes course and other outdoor activities
- Group problem-solving initiatives
- Lifestyle counseling
- Progressive relaxation
- Guided imagery and biofeedback
- Meditation
- Therapeutic massage
- T'ai Chi Ch'uan
- Reality orientation
- Family education
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Recreational therapy students work with a client on the climbing tower. |
You’ll learn from primary faculty members who are all certified and licensed recreational therapists with many years' experience as healthcare professionals, consultants, and educators. Our support faculty are experts in their respective fields—human anatomy and physiology, counseling, psychology, pharmacology, medical sciences, child development, and family relations.
Recreational therapists must complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the field to meet national certification and state licensing requirements. We’re proud that the academic transcripts of students exiting our program exceed all necessary requirements to sit for the exam leading to national professional credentialing and North Carolina licensure in recreational therapy.
Learn more about the program—review the curriculum, learn about career opportunities, browse our resources, and meet our faculty. If you have further questions, please contact us.
Above: Students engage in an outdoor initiative on teamwork.