Program Overview

Introduction to the Recreational Therapy Program

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree with a major in Recreational Therapy prepares students for careers as recreational therapists in health and human service settings. The degree meets the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification's (NCTRC) professional eligibility requirements to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Program Highlights

• Students apply course concepts and gain practical skills through participation in structured hands-on and service learning opportunities embedded within the Recreational Therapy curriculum.
• Students engage with youth in the Mighty Monarchs wheelchair sports program, facilitate a senior wellness program in a local geriatric care facility, assist with Special Olympics, and complete a senior internship experience under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
• Recreational Therapy students receive the knowledge and hands-on training needed to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), with graduates achieving an 83.3% pass rate on the national certification exam.
• Students in ODU's Recreational Therapy program are eligible to earn the prestigious Gold LeADERS distinction for graduation, showcasing their excellence in leadership, applied work-based learning, diversity, entrepreneurship, research, and service-learning.

Program Details

Degree Level

• Undergraduate

Degree Earned

• Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Concentration

• Recreational Therapy

Delivery Modes

• On-Campus

Featured Courses

• RT 420: Intervention Techniques in Recreational Therapy
  • This course introduces students to a wide variety of Recreational Therapy interventions, exploring physical, cognitive, and psychosocial interventions, facilitation techniques, activity modification, and group facilitation.
  • Prerequisites: RT 261 with a minimum grade of C-, recreational therapy major or minor, junior or senior standing, and a declared major in the university.
• RT 450: Diagnostic Groups in Recreational Therapy
  • This course introduces students to a variety of disabilities, illnesses, and health conditions recreational therapists may encounter in practice, discussing prevalence, etiology, diagnostic criteria, pathology, symptomatology, and prognosis.
  • Prerequisites: RT 261 with a minimum grade of C-, recreational therapy major or minor, and junior or senior standing.
• RT 470: Recreational Therapy Program Design and Implementation
  • This skill-based course further develops students' practical understanding of client-centered recreational therapy program design and implementation using evidence-based strategies, techniques, and interventions.
  • Corequisite: RT 480W. Prerequisites: RT 261 with a minimum grade of C-, recreational therapy major or minor, junior or senior standing, and a declared major in the university. Pre- or corequisite: RT 420 and RT 450.

Requirements

• Students entering the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program in Health Sciences should meet the minimum university admission requirements for Undergraduate Admission.
• Prerequisite Requirements:
  • ENGL 110C (minimum grade of C)
  • BIOL 240 or 250
  • BIOL 241 or 251
  • PSYC 203S, and RT 261 (minimum grade of C-)
  • Complete a background check in RT 261 – Foundations of Recreational Therapy to ensure eligibility for service-learning experiences with youth.

Transfer

ODU understands that transfer students have unique needs requiring a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer-inclusive culture that supports the successful transition of transfer students.

Cost

Estimated rates for the academic year are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone who is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates.

• Active Duty Military Rate: $250 per credit
• Virginia Resident: $268 per credit
• Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States: $444 per credit
• Non-Resident: $953.50 per credit

Next Steps

Information on starting the application process and other next steps is available through the university's admissions office.

Additional Information

Old Dominion University offers over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs, and a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, providing students with a wide range of academic opportunities.