Recreation Therapy B.A. / Applied Gerontolgy M.S. - Combined Program

http://www.uncw.edu/hahs

Dr Ashton-Forrester, recreation therapy program coordinator, Dr. Gray, Dr. Johnson, Ms. Miller, Dr. Sardina, Dr. Ann Glass, gerontology program coordinator, and Dr. Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock.

Graduates in recreation therapy (RT) are trained to utilize recreation activities and other active treatment modalities to increase the functional abilities and quality of life of people of all ages with disabilities and illnesses, such as cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues including substance abuse physical disabilities and illnesses, and dementia and other illnesses related to aging. RT compliments other allied health professions and therapies to address clients’ adjustment to illness/disability and educate them for new lifestyles.

The purpose of the combined baccalaureate program in recreation therapy and master’s program in gerontology is to offer an accelerated path toward a master’s degree that will prepare graduates who possess the knowledge, skills and competencies to practice recreation therapy in health-care and community-based settings that serve older adults, and be leaders in the field of RT, gerontology and health-care. This preparation places a priority on the development of skills through in- and out-of-class applied learning experiences, practica, internships, and community engagement. Furthermore, student outcomes emphasize critical thinking and evidence-based practices as means of assisting older adult clients and organizations that serve them in reaching their goals, and maximizing the quality of life of older adults.

Upon completion of the B.A. in recreation therapy, students will be eligible to be credentialed as Licensed Recreation Therapists (LRT) by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) after receiving a satisfactory score o the NCTRC national certification exam, and prior to completing the requirements for the master’s degree in gerontology.

Program Admission

All students wishing to be admitted into the combined program must (a) be Recreation Therapy majors who have completed at least 90 hours of undergraduate work, (b) have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GAP) of at least 3.0, (c) provide the names of two full-time recreation therapy professors who are familiar with their academic performance in 300-/400-level-classes and their practical experience, and (d) apply to the master’s degree program in gerontology.

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communiation requirement for the B.A. degree in Recreation Therapy, a student must sucessfully complete RTH 480 .

Applied Learning Requirement:

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. degree in Recreation Therapy, a student must successfully complete RTH 348 and RTH 597 .

Requirements for the Combined B.A. Degree in Recreation Therapy and a M.S. Degree in Gerontology

Complete one of the following sequences:

All students are required to complete:

In addition, all students are required to complete at least three of the following treatment modality courses:

Total: 100 hours

Student progression in the program is contingent upon the following:

Students must maintain at least a 2.50 RT major GPA, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all RTH required core courses, as well as meet Graduate College GPA requirements.
Students found to have been in violation of the university’s Academic Honor Code will be subject to disciplinary action as se forth in the current Code of Student Life.
Students found to be in violation of the Recreation Therapy Technical Standards will be subject ot disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program.
Students found to be in violation of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Code of Ethics will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program.