Therapeutic Recreation

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Therapeutic recreation (TR) is the specialized application of recreation and experiential activities or interventions that help maintain or improve the health status, functional capacities, and ultimately the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Program Offerings at Grand Valley

Grand Valley State University's therapeutic recreation major is a four-year academic curriculum plus one semester of internship leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Students need to be able to use clinical reasoning skills to solve problems, formulate concepts, make judgments, analyze behaviors and tasks, and determine appropriate interventions. TR is a secondary admission program. Application information is available at www.gvsu.edu/tr/.

Coursework

Students study a variety of topics that include:

  • Foundations and philosophy of recreation
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Interventions in therapeutic recreation
  • Leisure education

Career Options

Therapeutic recreation is a diverse field that offers graduates varied career opportunities. TR specialists work in hospitals, acute and sub-acute care settings, nursing homes, centers for physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatric institutions, substance abuse centers, correctional facilities, juvenile services, public parks and recreation departments, volunteer agencies, after-care centers, and sheltered workshops.

Why Study Therapeutic Recreation at Grand Valley?

  • The program meets the standards of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (N.C.T.R.C.).
  • Nationally recognized curriculum, but small welcoming program.
  • Students and alumni are active in local, state, and national professional organizations.
  • Diverse opportunities for employment after graduation.
  • Service learning is integrated throughout the curriculum.
  • Faculty members assist students in worldwide networking.
  • Graduates of the program are prepared to meet consumer health needs in a dynamic and culturally diverse world by completing a comprehensive curriculum that offers theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience and application.

For More Information

College of Health Professions
Therapeutic Recreation
www.gvsu.edu/tr
(616) 331-5600
Admissions Office
www.gvsu.edu/admissions

“The TR program at GVSU has great professors and facilities. I have not only grown professionally, but personally as well. I have learned a lot about the world of therapeutic recreation while increasing my self-confidence and leadership skills.”

ABBIGAIL RAUSCH
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION ALUMNA

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