Arts and crafts, dance, games, music, public outings—there are dozens of ways that recreational therapy is utilized to promote the overall wellness of individuals with disabilities or illness. With this degree, you'll develop a deep, foundational knowledge of subject areas such as psychology and adapted physical activity that will allow you to work as a recreational therapist.
In addition to core courses in recreation, you will take anatomy and physiology, and a broad set of courses specific to the recreational therapy specialization. Through class projects and field experiences that include a required internship, you will learn to assess individuals' needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs, and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.
You'll also be able to join the student-run Recreational Therapy Club, which promotes professional development and personal growth, and participate in faculty research.
When you complete your degree, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examination. Whether you are looking to work in acute care facilities, assisted living facilities, developmental learning centers, behavioral health settings, or special education programs in schools, the coaches in the Office of Career Services will be available to help you consider your options.
| NCTRC National Certification Exam Pass Rate - First-Time Candidate | ||
| Indiana University | National Average | |
| 2020 | 95.30% | 85.30% |
| 2019 | 95.20% | 88.90% |
| 2018 | 100% | 86.50% |
The Indiana University Recreational Therapy program uses evidence-based curriculum that focuses on the education and training of students to be model practitioners in the field of recreational therapy and to obtain the essential knowledge and skills required for national certification.
Our goal is to prepare competent, entry-level recreational therapists with requisite cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behaviors) learning domains to improve functional outcomes and increase participation in life activities for individuals with health conditions.
School of Public Health-Bloomington
1025 E. Seventh Street, Suite 111
Bloomington, IN 47405-7109
Phone: 812-855-1561
Fax: 812-855-4983
