Contact

Kirstin Impicciatore, MS Ed CTRS
Chair
221A White Hall

(315) 792-3250

Major in Therapeutic Recreation


School of Health  Professions and Education

(Bachelor of Science Degree)

Therapeutic recreation at Utica College is one of a very few nation-wide programs designed specifically to educate students to be therapeutic recreation specialists. The curriculum combines liberal arts components with professional preparation courses and “hands-on” experiences. The courses have been uniquely designed to provide every student with in-depth knowledge of technical and theoretical skills essential for entry level professional competence.

Photo - I Am A Recreation TherapistTherapeutic recreation is a human service profession that focuses on providing care to individuals who have cognitive, physical, psychological, or social needs. The specialist possesses recreational activity and facilitation skills that he or she utilizes to bring about a change in the individual. The therapist will employ skills based upon consumer needs and the service provided will be functional intervention, leisure education, and/or recreation participation. Therapeutic recreation graduates work in rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, penal institutions, senior centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, community recreation, children and youth centers, and day treatment centers.

For placement opportunities, please contact the program director.

Total credit hours required for degree: 124

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS


The student in therapeutic recreation is required to achieve a minimum of C in each major course, a C average in major-related courses except BIO 101 and BIO 102, and at least a B in the internship experience. Students must comply with the internship site rules and regulations regarding physical examinations and immunizations. Malpractice insurance is required for an internship course.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS


(See also General Education Core)

CourseCredit HoursYear Taken
Core34-55 
Major Course Requirements
Therapeutic Recreation 101Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation31
Therapeutic Recreation 106History and Philosophy of Recreation31
Therapeutic Recreation 152Recreational and Adventure Activities41,2
Therapeutic Recreation 156Recreational Services and Leadership31,2
Therapeutic Recreation 301Outdoor Recreational Pursuits32,3
Therapeutic Recreation 302Leisure Counseling: Theory and Practice33,4
Therapeutic Recreation 303Therapeutic Recreation Program
Design and Intervention Techniques

3

3,4
Therapeutic Recreation 352Assessment and Evaluation in
Therapeutic Recreation

3

3,4
Therapeutic Recreation 401*Internship in Therapeutic Recreation124
Therapeutic Recreation 406Organization, Administration, and Super-
vision in Therapeutic Recreation

3

3,4
 40 
Major-Related Requirements
(Some of the following may be used to satisfy core)
Biology 101,102Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II81,2
Psychology 101Introduction to Psychology31
Health Studies 105Applied Techniques in Emergency Care21,2,3

Health Studies 245
      or
Psychology 223

Human Development Across the Life Span

Human Development Across the Life Span



3



1,2,3
Health Studies 445Clinical Research34
Psychology 237Group Dynamics32,3,4
Psychology 361Abnormal Psychology31,2,3
Fine ArtsMusic, Theatre, Art electives61,2,3
 31 
Suggested Minors
Psychology21 
Gerontology15 
Communications Arts18 
Electives
The student must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum credit hours required for this degree, and at least 60 credit hours of the 124 required must be in the liberal arts and sciences.

* Students wishing information about the therapeutic recreation retention policy should consult with their academic adviser.