Program Overview

Recreational Therapy Certificate Program

The Recreational Therapy Certificate program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and competencies necessary to lead recreation-based therapeutic programs, improving individual and community health. This certificate can be paired with any undergraduate program, making it an ideal choice for individuals who value the importance of a healthy leisure lifestyle for all.

Program Description

Students enrolled in the Recreational Therapy Certificate program gain knowledge and requisite competencies to lead recreation-based therapeutic programs as a strategy to improve individual and community health. Through curriculum foundational to the field, students learn the systematic process of conducting assessments, developing service plans, implementing therapeutic interventions, and evaluating and documenting outcomes of care. Students examine the holistic benefits of recreational therapy through exposure to creative and expressive arts, adapted exercise and sport, aquatic therapy, therapeutic riding, horticulture therapy, community integration, leisure education, and structured play.

At a Glance

• College/School: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix or Online

Curriculum

The Recreational Therapy Certificate requires completion of 18 credit hours: six credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of electives. Students seeking the national credential in therapeutic recreation should select electives from that list.

• Required Courses:
  • RTH 364 Foundations in Recreational Therapy (SOBE) - 3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C
  • RTH 413 Leadership and Professional Development in Recreational Therapy - 3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C
• Elective Courses:
  • Choose four courses from Blocks A and B if interested in the ASU certificate, but not seeking the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) credential.
  • Choose four courses from only Block B if interested in taking support courses for NCTRC credential.
  • Block A:
    • CDE 244 Children Facing Health Care Challenges
    • CDE 312 Adolescence (SOBE)
    • CDE 414 The School-Aged Child: Development in the Elementary Years
    • CDE 418 Aging and the Life Course (SOBE)
    • CDE 430 Infant and Toddler Development in the Family (SOBE)
    • CDE 450 Childhood Disorders and Family Functioning
    • DST 101 Introduction to Disability Studies (CIVI)
    • PRM 120 Leisure and the Quality of Life (SOBE)
    • RTH 453 Inclusive Community Sport
  • Block B:
    • RTH 250 Therapeutic Recreation and Community Health (CIVI)
    • RTH 400 Intervention Techniques in Recreational Therapy
    • RTH 440 Advocacy in Therapeutic Recreation (GCSI)
    • RTH 455 Recreational Therapy and Play with Children, Youth and Families
    • RTH 460 Assessment and Documentation in Recreational Therapy

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a non-degree-seeking graduate student.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Career Opportunities

Recreational therapists practice in settings such as inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient mental health, and skilled nursing facilities, as well as in assisted living and adult day programs, parks and recreation and adapted sports programs, acute care hospitals, pediatric hospitals and programs, and school systems.

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. Students should review requirements for licensure on the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification website.