Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Field of Study — Therapy

Therapeutic recreation specialists assist people who are challenged by disabling conditions that interfere with their ability to participate independently in recreation and leisure. They help these individuals to overcome social, emotional, psychological or environmental barriers. Therapeutic recreation specialists may specialize in adapted aquatics, wheelchair sports, outdoor adventure activities or horticulture therapy.

Therapeutic recreation specialists:

Therapeutic recreation specialists work in physical rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, mental health agencies, community recreation agencies, child and adolescent treatment centers, nursing homes and retirement communities, outpatient and day treatment programs, correctional facilities and long-term care hospitals.

Educational Requirements

Students interested in the field of therapeutic recreation should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, English and psychology. Experience in a variety of recreational activities and in assisting persons with disabilities may be helpful.

Students must complete a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or recreation and leisure with an option from an accredited college, apply for certification and pass a national exam. Master’s and doctoral degrees also are available. Individuals should be creative, innovative and organized.

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Educational Institutions

Virginia Colleges and Universities

Eastern Virginia Medical School
James Madison University
Longwood University
Radford University
Shenandoah University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Wesleyan College



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Professional Associations


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