Prepare for your career in high school by taking classes heavy in math and science, especially biology and chemistry. The more knowledge you have going into college, the better you will cope with the demands of the degree. Contact recreational therapists in your area and shadow them at their jobs, if possible, to gain a better understanding of what a recreational therapist does. Experience enhances your credentials when you apply to college programs.
Choose a college that offers a degree program in recreational therapy. According to the Therapeutic Recreation Directory, as of 2010, two schools in Tennessee offer therapeutic recreation. These include the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro. In addition, several online schools offer various degrees related to recreational therapy.
Take classes in recreational therapy. At UT-Knoxville, earn an undergraduate degree in recreation and leisure studies by taking classes including development of recreation programs, principles of movement control and skill learning, medical terminology and bioethics. Students at MTSU can expect to study topics including leisure and aging, recreational therapy technology, therapeutic terminology in recreational therapy, transitional and community recreation therapy. Before registering for classes at any school, confirm that the degree program is accredited by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCRTC).
Complete an internship. Programs at UT-Knoxville and MTSU include a semester-long internship after coursework is completed that involves on-the-job training with a recreational agency.
Study for, take and pass the credentialing exam for recreational therapy administered by the NCTRC. Your college department of therapeutic recreation can give you information on registering for the exam. Once certified by the NCTRC, you will be eligible to practice as a licensed recreational therapist.