Contact Information

Kirstin Impicciatore, M.S.
Chair
221A White Hall

(315) 792-3250

Therapeutic Recreation



Therapeutic recreation (TR) is the use of recreation, leisure, and play to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning to assist individuals in experiencing independent lifestyles and satisfying leisure experiences. Comprehensive TR involves a continuum of service that includes treatment, leisure education, and independent recreation participation.
  • Treatment uses recreational activities to habilitate or rehabilitate functional abilities.
  • Leisure education uses appropriate recreational and educational activities to acquire leisure participation skills, knowledge, and attitudes that facilitate independent, satisfying leisure experiences.
  • Independent recreation participation uses activities to promote health, growth, development, and independence through self-rewarding leisure pursuits.

Special Opportunities


Developed in 1981, the therapeutic recreation major at Utica College is one of a very few programs in the nation that is strictly designed to educate and graduate recreation therapists with a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation. The program also is unique in that it is housed in the School of Health Professions and Education, which reflects the clinical-medical aspects of the major as well as the philosophical recreation foundation.

In addition to having extensive course work in theory, students are provided a number of hands-on experiences while they are at UC. As part of their course requirements, students volunteer in area agencies, conduct projects, and are involved in organizing numerous functions for various populations.

Therapeutic recreation students are required to complete one 525-600 hour internship. Students are encouraged to seek internship experiences throughout the United States. In past years, students have been placed in facilities in Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, and throughout the Northeast. Internship placements must meet certain standards regarding staff, competencies, and qualifications.

Minor in Recreation Leadership
Gain the skills, adaptability, and creativity to work effectively in a variety of settings. With a carefully designed curriculum that includes both theory and practical application, this minor is especially suitable for major in criminal justice, health studies, psychology, psychology child-life, and similar programs.

Study areas include:
  • History and philosophy of recreation
  • Recreation and adventure activities
  • Recreational service and leadership
  • Outdoor recreational pursuits
  • Leisure counseling

Career Opportunities


Utica College's therapeutic recreation graduates enjoy a 100 percent employment rate. All students graduating from UC meet the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) standards and are eligible to sit for the national exam. The passing rate of UC graduates is high than the national average. For more information, please visit: 

NCTRC - http://www.nctrc.org/

Information on why students become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) is available from NCTRC (or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.nctrc.org/documents/65145_Become_web.pdf ).

Information on career opportunities is also available from NCTRC (or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.nctrc.org/documents/TestimonBroch0407.pdf ).

Salary information is available from ATRA (or copy and paste the following link into your browser: (or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.atra-tr.org/pressrelease/04-09-26b.htm  ).


Current Internship and Job Opportunities

 

UC Graduates' Jobs

Connie Bonner Cox '87 earned a master's degree and is a recreation therapist at Upstate Home for Children in Oneonta, NY.

Virginia Zuchowski '98 is a recreation therapist at St. Luke's Allen Calder Wing and a consultant for the St. Luke's Adult Day Care Facility in Utica.

Bill Girvin '93 is a recreation therapist at The House of the Good Shepherd in New Harford, NY, and has been a clinical supervisor for Utica College student interns.

Jay Snow '96 is the director of activities at the Loretto Utica Center in Utica, where he has been supervising student interns.

"UC increased my knowledge and sharpened my skills for future success in life. The professors provided guidance and support, allowing for creativity."
--Tamara Sfeir '91, Senior Recreation Therapist, United Cerebral Palsy and Handicapped Persons Association of the Utica Area, Inc; Director, Camp Ronald McDonald, Sauquoit, NY

"The foresight of (Professor) Joan Kay always looking ahead with the anticipation of students gaining certification has made the difference in where I am today. The education has been continuous and did not stop on graduation day."
--Joan Talerico '92, Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY

"Fortunately the Therapeutic Recreation Program at UC provided me opportunities to work with different populations, and I was able to make the transition to a new position easily. I am grateful for the hands- on experiences as an undergraduate."
--Kathi Dunn '86, Recreation Therapist, Brookridge Retirement Home, Winston Salem, NC