Earn a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy from the University of Toledo, the only program in the state of Ohio of its kind. Courses in the four-year program include medical terminology, recreation programming, inclusive recreation, animal assisted recreational therapy, purposeful living role of occupational therapy, health problems of aging, abnormal psychology, introduction to recreation and leisure and aquatic therapy. Students also take general core classes such as college composition, health science and principles of psychology.
Applicants must have a high school diploma and SAT/ACT scores. Students who wish to further their education may enroll in the university's master's of recreational therapy program.
The University of Toledo
2801 Bancroft
Toledo, OH 43606-3390
800-586-5336
utoledo.edu
Students may be interested to know that Western Carolina University was the first accredited university in the United States to offer a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy. The four-year degree includes classes in kinesiology, recreational therapy services for older adults, administration of recreational therapy services, human anatomy and physiology, first aid and safety education, medical terminology and introduction to pharmacology. All students perform a recreational therapy internship prior to graduation. While enrolled, students have the opportunity to join the WCU Recreational Therapy Association and apply for two annual recreational therapy student awards.
Students first apply to Western Carolina's general studies program. Upon beginning their studies, students who maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher may then apply to the recreational therapy program; an essay and knowledge test are required. Applicants to Western Carolina require a high school diploma.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-7495
wcu.edu
Take your recreational therapy education further with a master's degree in recreational therapy administration from East Carolina University's College of Health and Human Performance. Course work includes management of healthcare operations, documentation in recreation therapy, biostatistics for health professionals, risk management and legal liability and administrative aspects of recreational therapy. Students have the option to complete a thesis/research project or take additional electives. Program graduates may sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation exam.
Graduate assistantships are available to deflect the cost of tuition. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, three letters of reference and completed course work in psychology, statistics, biology and college algebra.
East Carolina University
The College of Health & Human Performance
Minges Coliseum
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-328-4630
ecu.edu