Therapeutic Recreation | Springfield College

Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation

The therapeutic recreation concentration within the recreation management major focuses on the philosophy that recreation is essential to people's overall development.

Following the guidelines set by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, students work in settings serving people with physical, emotional, psychiatric, and developmental disabilities. Students also work with older adults, people with chronic illness, people with substance abuse problems, and individuals in correctional institutions.

Graduates are able to help people develop and maintain their health and well-being through therapy, leisure education, and recreation activities to promote a quality leisure lifestyle. Completing the option will prepare students for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist.

Students in therapeutic recreation take courses in leadership, program planning, processes in therapeutic recreation, and public relations. They also take courses in psychology of disability and illness, programming for persons with disabilities, and supervisory management.

Internship opportunities for students completing the therapeutic recreation services option have included the following.

  • Disabled Sports USA
  • Easter Seals of Western and Central Pennsylvania
  • Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veteran's Hospital, New Bedford, Mass.
  • Gaylord Hospital
  • Institute of Living
  • National Sports Center for the Disabled
  • Western Massachusetts Hospital
  • Related Springfield College Clubs include:
  • Campus Community Service Club
  • YMCA Club

Employment opportunities for therapeutic recreation students following graduation have included the following.

  • Boston Children's Hospital
  • Institute of Living
  • Massachusetts Hospital School
  • Western Massachusetts Hospital

 

What goes into a therapeutic recreation career?

Interested in a career in therapeutic recreation? We're here to share what it takes to work in the field and how a Springfield College education can help you get there.

A student works with an individual at a senior games event.
Studying Recreation Industries and Therapeutic Recreation at Springfield College