Recreational Therapy, Bachelor of Science (BS) / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Program Overview

The Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 program at Slippery Rock University combines a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy with the first year of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. Students complete both degrees in six years, preparing them for careers in occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and related fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and prepares students for the NCTRC exam.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Recreational Therapy in conjunction with the Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 program at Slippery Rock University is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in recreational therapy while simultaneously preparing them for entry into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at SRU. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam. This program is offered as a "3+3" option, meaning that students can complete both their undergraduate degree in Recreational Therapy and the first year of the OTD program in just six years, rather than the traditional seven.

Objectives:

• To prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of recreational therapy.
• To provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of recreational therapy.
• To develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• To prepare students for the NCTRC exam.

Program Description:

The Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 program consists of three years of undergraduate study in Recreational Therapy, followed by one year of graduate study in the OTD program. The undergraduate curriculum includes coursework in the following areas:

• Recreational Therapy
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Statistics
• Research Methods
• Medical Terminology
The OTD curriculum includes coursework in the following areas:
• Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biomechanics
• Assistive Technology
• Clinical Practice

Outline

Year 1

• Fall Semester:
• RCTH 120: Disability, Community Inclusion, and Diversity
• RCTH 220: Recreational Therapy Services
• ENGL 102: Critical Writing
• ESAP 101: FYRST Seminar 1
• PSYC 105: Introduction to Psychology
• SUBJ 139: Foundations of Academic Discovery
• Spring Semester:
• RCTH 233: Recreational Therapy for People with Psychosocial and Mental Disorders or RCTH 232: Recreational Therapy for People with Physical Disabilities
• ENGL 104: Critical Reading
• EXSC 250: Medical Terminology (Fulfills 21st Century Healthcare Thematic Thread requirement)
• PSYC 244: Developmental Psychology
• STAT 152: Elementary Statistics I
• Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry

Year 2

• Fall Semester:
• RCTH 233 or RCTH 232: Recreational Therapy for People with Psychosocial and Mental Disorders or Recreational Therapy for People with Physical Disabilities
• BIOL 216: Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
• INDP 201: Principles of Sociology
• PSYC 276: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
• Select one of the following:
• COMM 200: Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
• PHIL 110: Ethics and Civil Discourse
• POLS 235: Civil Discourse and Democracy
• Humanities Inquiry
• Declare a Thematic Thread 2
• Spring Semester:
• RCTH 314: Clinical Aspects of Recreational Therapy
• RCTH 317: Organization and Management of Recreational Therapy Practice
• RCTH 364: Biomechanics of Individuals with Disabilities
• BIOL 217: Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
• INDP 318 or SOWK 318: Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies or Research Methods
• Thematic Thread Requirement

Year 3

• Fall Semester:
• RCTH 319: Client Assessment in Recreational Therapy
• RCTH 320: Recreational Therapy Program Design
• RCTH 420: Recreational Therapy for Older Adults
• RCTH 422: Leisure Education and Counseling
• Thematic Thread Requirement
• RCTH 351: Recreational Therapy Practicum
• Spring Semester:
• RCTH 450: Internship
• PHIL 325: Medical/Health Care Ethics
• RCTH 422: Leisure Education and Counseling
• Thematic Thread Requirement
• RCTH 351: Recreational Therapy Practicum

Assessment:

Students in the Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Clinical observations

Teaching:

The Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to helping students succeed. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Field experiences

Careers:

Graduates of the Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) 3+3 program will be prepared for a variety of careers in the field of occupational therapy. Some common career paths include:

• Occupational Therapist
• Recreational Therapist
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Special Education Teacher
• Social Worker