Recreational Therapy at East Carolina University (ECU) offers a fulfilling career path for individuals passionate about helping others through recreation. The Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy program at ECU is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Licensed Recreational Therapists (LRT). This program emphasizes experiential learning, including crucial fieldwork hours that provide invaluable career exploration opportunities in the field of recreational therapy.
What is Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Recreational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community centers, schools, and long-term care facilities. They help people of all ages to improve their quality of life by using leisure activities to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. A career in recreational therapy is deeply rewarding, offering the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
ECU’s Accredited BS in Recreational Therapy Program
ECU’s Recreational Therapy program is proud to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), a testament to its high standards and commitment to excellence in education. Accreditation through the Committee on Accreditation for Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE) ensures that the program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. This accreditation is vital for graduates seeking professional certification and licensure, as it confirms the program’s quality and prepares students for successful careers.
Admission Requirements and Program Entry
For students interested in declaring Recreational Therapy as their major at ECU, certain criteria must be met upon entering the curriculum. These requirements are designed to ensure that students are prepared for the academic rigor and professional demands of the program.
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for admission.
- Coursework: Completion of specific courses including ENGL 1100, ENGL 2201, MATH 1065 or MATH 2127 or MATH 2228, BIOL 2130, BIOL 2131, and RCTX 2230 is necessary.
- Application and Interview: Applicants must submit a recorded interview and application, followed by a personal interview with a Recreational Therapy faculty member.
- Sequencing Form: Consultation with a RCTX advisor in the HHP Advising Center to complete a sequencing form (timetable) is also mandatory.
Admission to the Recreational Therapy program is competitive due to limited space, highlighting the program’s popularity and the high demand for qualified recreational therapists. Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a 2.5 GPA in cognate courses is required to remain in good standing within the major. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in all RCSC and RCTX courses.
Fieldwork Experience: Career Exploration Hours in Action
A crucial component of the ECU Recreational Therapy program is the fieldwork experience. Before registering for 4000-level RCTX courses, all students must complete a minimum of 25 documented career exploration hours. This fieldwork provides directed experience in real-world recreational therapy programs and recreation-based activities for individuals with disabilities. These career exploration hours are designed to give students firsthand exposure to the profession, allowing them to explore different settings, populations, and intervention techniques.
Information regarding the fieldwork process is readily available from Recreational Therapy faculty members, the department website, and the College of Health and Human Performance Advising Center. This practical experience is integral to solidifying classroom learning and providing valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of a recreational therapy career.
Curriculum Overview: Building a Foundation for Success
The Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy degree at ECU requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, structured across general education, core recreational therapy courses, cognates, and restricted electives.
General Education (40 s.h.)
This section ensures a broad academic foundation, including courses in biology, mathematics, ethics, and psychology:
- Biology: BIOL 1050 & 1051, OR BIOL 1100 & 1101, OR BIOL 1150 & 1151
- Mathematics: MATH 1065 OR MATH 2127 OR MATH 2228
- Ethics: PHIL 2275 OR PHIL 3281
- Psychology: PSYC 1000, PSYC 3206
- Leisure in Society: RCSC 2601
Core Courses (44 s.h.)
The core curriculum delves into the specifics of recreational therapy principles and practices:
- RCSC 3003 – Recreation and Sport Event Programming
- RCSC 4000 – Research Methods and Techniques
- RCTX 2230 – Recreational Therapy Foundations
- RCTX 3240 – Disability Survey for Recreational Therapy Services
- RCTX 3254 – Assessment and Measurement in Recreational Therapy
- RCTX 3255 – Recreational Therapy Clinical Assessment and Measurement Lab
- RCTX 4255 – Clinical Application of Recreational Therapy Skills
- RCTX 4260 – Recreational Therapy Senior Practicum
- RCTX 4263 – Cognitive and Psychosocial Interventions in Recreational Therapy
- RCTX 4267 – Program Design and Management for Recreational Therapy Services
- RCTX 4272 – Physical and Movement Interventions in Recreational Therapy
- RCTX 4900 – Recreational Therapy Professional Development
- RCTX 4902 – Recreational Therapy Internship Pre-Placement Seminar
- RCTX 4990 – Recreational Therapy Internship
Cognates (15 s.h.)
Cognate courses provide supporting knowledge from related fields:
- BIOL 2130 & 2131 – Survey of Human Physiology and Anatomy
- HIMA 3000 – Medical Terminology for Health Professionals
- KINE 2850 – Structural Kinesiology
- PSYC 3225 OR PSYC 3226 – Psychology of Learning OR Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC 3375 – Abnormal Psychology
Restricted Electives (9 s.h.)
Students can tailor their studies with elective courses, choosing from a range of specialized topics including:
- Adventure-Based Program Leadership (RCSC 2400)
- Recreation for Diverse Populations (RCSC 3131)
- Disability and Adaptive Sport (RCTX 4004)
- Leisure, Aging, and Health (RCTX 4100)
- Study Abroad in Disability and Inclusion (RCTX 4125)
- Advanced Stress Management (RCTX 4200)
- And more, including program director approved courses.
Career Paths and Professional Credentialing
Graduates of ECU’s Recreational Therapy program are well-prepared to pursue national credentialing as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by applying to take the CTRS examination. Furthermore, graduates are eligible to become Licensed Recreational Therapists (LRT) in North Carolina, opening doors to diverse professional opportunities.
A career in recreational therapy offers significant job satisfaction and growth potential. With the aging population and increasing awareness of the benefits of therapeutic recreation, the demand for qualified recreational therapists is expected to rise. ECU’s program provides a solid foundation for a successful and impactful career in this rewarding allied health profession.
Explore Your Future in Recreational Therapy at ECU
The Recreational Therapy program at ECU offers a comprehensive and accredited pathway to a fulfilling career. With a strong curriculum, practical fieldwork career exploration hours, and opportunities for professional development, ECU prepares graduates to excel in the field of recreational therapy. For more detailed information about this degree, visit the university’s academic catalogs.
Learn more about the Recreational Therapy program at ECU
For program-specific inquiries, contact:
Program Coordinator: Cari Autry (2403 Carol G. Belk Building; 252-737-1511; [email protected])
