Program Overview

Introduction to the BS in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy

The BS in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy is a unique program designed to provide students with exciting learning opportunities. This innovative program is intentionally designed to offer flexibility and hands-on learning experiences, setting it apart from other universities.

Program Tracks

The program offers two tracks: the Rehabilitation Track and the Recreational Therapy Track.

Rehabilitation Track

• Designed for students who want to pursue allied health care fields
• Offers flexibility in the curriculum to take prerequisite courses for other graduate programs
• Makes students eligible for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification via NCTRC's Equivalency Path
• Requires 30 credits of required courses, no required internships, and 30 credits of electives

Recreational Therapy Track

• Designed for students who want a career in Recreational Therapy
• Makes students eligible for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification via NCTRC's Academic Path
• Requires 39 credits of required courses, 18 credits of internship, and 3 credits of electives

What Sets the RRT Degree Apart

• Only RT degree available in the state of Florida
• Offers two tracks for more flexibility to meet career and education goals
• Fully online degree option
• Standalone degree rather than a track
• Focus on experiential education and hands-on learning experiences
• Opportunities to learn novel recreational therapy modalities such as:
  • Scuba diving
  • Yoga
  • Validation therapy
  • Aquatics
  • Therapeutic drumming
  • Reiki
  • Aroma therapy
• Diverse faculty and student population
• Located in a vibrant city with access to year-round outdoor leisure and recreation opportunities
• Florida is the state with the largest population of older adults

Recreational Therapy

Recreational Therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illness and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a certified recreational therapist who has demonstrated professional competence by acquiring a specific body of knowledge and passing the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam. A CTRS often serves as a member of the health care treatment team with other health care professionals.

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is the premier credentialing organization for the field of recreational therapy. NCTRC sets standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. FIU's RRT program is based on NCTRC standards.

Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

To become a CTRS, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Degree: Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
• RT Coursework:
  • Completion of a minimum of six RT/TR courses in RT/TR
  • Completion of NCTRC-defined 'Supportive Courses' (i.e., Anatomy/physiology, abnormal psychology, human growth & development)
• Professional Experience:
  • Completion of a 560-hour academic internship
  • Paid Professional Work Experience (5,000 hours of experience using the TR process as approved by NCTRC or 1,500 hours of work supervised by a CTRS)