Careers in Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation is a concentration area available in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. The field of Therapeutic Recreation is a fast growing career area where demand for Recreation Therapist is ecpected to exceed supply over the next five years. A Recreation Therapist is a certified professional that uses recreation, leisure and a variety of expressive arts techniques to help people of all ages with physical and emotional disabilities restore and retain the highest level of quality in their lives. Preparation for both federal and state TR certification is an integral part of Therapeutic Recreation coursework.

The field of Therapeutic Recreation is a dynamic and exciting one that offers the students the opportunity to study a wide variety of courses in addition to the core requirements of the recreation major. Graduating students often find jobs in the following types of organizations.

• Hospitals: Therapeutic recreation specialist, outpatient services.
• Community Parks and Recreation Departments: Recreation leaders, disability specialists, recreation therapists, program coordinators.
• Non-Profit Disability Advocacy and Service Organizations: Recreation therapists, art/music therapists, program managers, resource ddevelopment specialist.
• Healthcare Companies: Recreation therapists, disability services.
• School Districts: Disability specialists, recreation therapists.

If you have any questions about the field, or career/academic preparation needed, please contact: Deah Schwartz at (415) 338-1221