Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science program in Recreational Therapy prepares students to apply for the national professional certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. This program prepares competent, entry-level recreational therapists with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to improve functional outcomes and increase participation in life activities for individuals experiencing health conditions.

Program Description

The program prepares students to conduct assessments, develop service plans, implement therapeutic interventions, and evaluate and document outcomes of care. Students learn to provide comprehensive therapeutic recreation services that include program design and evaluation, individual and group service provision, and advocacy. The required fieldwork component of the program facilitates the development of competencies to provide quality recreational therapy services.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Recreational Therapy program can be viewed in the university's course catalog.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change into this program.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Illustrate collaborative solutions to complex community health issues.
• Employ effective communication skills including adapting use of nonverbal messaging when communicating with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrate elements of a qualified provider facilitating recreational therapy services.

Global Opportunities

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, recreational therapy students are able to tailor their experience to their individual interests and skill sets.

Career Opportunities

Recreational therapy is a rapidly growing field, given the rising number of returning veterans and an aging population. Graduates are prepared for work in a wide variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and extended care facilities. Graduates also are qualified to work in community settings such as parks and recreation departments.

Professional Licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.