Recreation Therapy, B.A.

http://www.uncw.edu/hahs

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, intellectual and developmental disabilities; behavioral health issues including substance abuse, physical disabilities; and dementia and other illnesses related to aging. RT complements other allied health professions and therapies to address clients’ adjustment to illness and disability and educate them for healthy living. In addition, graduates in RT can pursue graduate degrees in RT or other allied health and human services professions if desired.

The purpose of the baccalaureate program in RT is to prepare graduates who possess the knowledge, skills and competencies to practice RT in healthcare and human service settings and be leaders in the field of RT and healthcare. This preparation places a priority on the development of skills through in- and out-of-class applied learning experiences, practicum, internships, and community engagement. Furthermore, student outcomes emphasize critical thinking and evidence-based practice as means of assisting clients in reaching their goals and maximizing the quality of life of individuals served. To be eligible to practice RT, graduates must be credentialed as Licensed Recreational 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). Licensure and certification are obtained by completing a bachelor’s degree in RT and receiving a passing score on the NCTRC national certification exam.

Program Admission

All students wishing to major in Recreation Therapy must meet the minimum criteria for admission and follow the Recreation Therapy application procedure which includes timely submission of the Recreation Therapy application packet.

Minimum criteria for acceptance into the program includes:

a.) 2.5 cumulative GPA at UNCW or transfer institution; and

b.)a minimum of 50 hours of experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities, disabling conditions or illnesses.

Admission Procedure

Completed application packet must be submitted following the instructions on the main webpage of the Recreation Therapy program: https://uncw.edu/chhs/shahs/academic/undergraduate/rectherapy/index.html.

An application packet must include:

Completed application form
Two-page essay
Signed Recreation Therapy Technical Standards, and
Current degree audit or transcript if student is a transfer student
Documentation of volunteer/work experience with individuals with disabilities, disabling conditions, or illnesses.
The admission procedure also requires an interview with a Recreation Therapy faculty member.
Priority Application Deadlines For Fall admission, Feb. 15th For Spring admission, Sept. 15th

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in Recreation Therapy a student must successfully 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 497 .

Requirements for the B.A. Degree with a Major in Recreation Therapy:

Complete one of the following sequences:

EXS 216 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit Hours: 3
EXSL 216 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
EXS 217 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credit Hours: 3
EXSL 217 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
OR
BIO 240 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 240 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I Credit Hours: 1
BIO 241 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 241 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II Credit Hours: 1
All students are required to complete:
PSY 223 - Life Span Human Development Credit Hours: 3
PSY 247 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hours: 3
HFE 350 - Motor Behavior Credit Hours: 3
or
ATR 220 - Functional and Structural Kinesiology Credit Hours: 3
ATR 470 - Medical Terminology for Health Professions Credit Hours: 3
RTH 265 - Introduction to Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 348 - Practicum in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 368 - Foundations of Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 370 - Recreation Therapy in Physical Rehabilitation Credit Hours: 3
RTH 372 - Recreation Therapy in Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
RTH 375 - Recreation Therapy Processes and Techniques Credit Hours: 3
RTH 380 - Assessment and Outcome Planning in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 381 - Recreation Therapy TX Modalities I Credit Hours: 3
RTH 390 - Pre-Internship Seminar in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 1
RTH 391 - Recreation Therapy Internship Finalization Credit Hours: 1
RTH 459 - Research & Evaluation Methods in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 475 - Leadership and Management in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 480 - Senior Seminar in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 497 - Field Placement in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 12
In addition, all students are required to complete at least three of the following treatment modality or intervention courses:
RTH 385 - Recreation Therapy TX Modalities II: Exercise & Movement Credit Hours: 2
RTH 386 - Recreation Therapy TX Modalities III: Expressive Arts Credit Hours: 2
RTH 387 - Recreation Therapy TX Modalities IV: Stress and Pain Management Credit Hours: 2
RTH 388 - Adaptive Sports Credit Hours: 2 To 3
RTH 389 - Recreation Therapy TX Modalities V: Cognitive Retraining Credit Hours: 2
RTH 393 - Functional Fitness in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 2
RTH 394 - Aquatics in Recreation Therapy Credit Hours: 3
RTH 469 - Recreation Therapy in Geriatrics Credit Hours: 3
RTH 379 - Advanced Assistance Dog Training II Credit Hours: 3
WPA 220 - Introduction to Yoga Methodology and Techniques Credit Hours: 3

Total: 73 hours

Student progression in the program is contingent upon the following:

1. Students must maintain at least a 2.50 RT major GPA, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all RTH required student courses.
2. Students found to have been in violation of the university’s Academic Honor Code will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the current Code of Student Life.
3. Students found to be in violation of the Recreation Therapy Technical Standards will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program.
4. 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.