Overview
Imagine a career in which you help others get better and stay healthy by having them do the things they love to do! Recreational Therapy, also known as Therapeutic Recreation, is a profession that contributes to the broad spectrum of healthcare through treatment, education, and the provision of adapted recreation opportunities. Most recreational therapists are employed by healthcare agencies and work in traditional inpatient hospitals, while many also work in mental health facilities, adult day care programs, assisted living and nursing settings, substance abuse facilities, hospice care, community parks and recreation settings and in school systems.
The ultimate goal of the recreational therapy program is to prepare competent entry-level recreational therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
To pursue a career in Recreational Therapy, there are several different academic tracks that students can choose from to further customize their education. Regardless of what program track students choose, everyone must begin in the ‘Pre-Recreational Therapy/Adaptive Recreation’ track. Once enrolled, there are various avenues that can be pursued based on a student’s academic and professional aspirations. Learn more about track options.
Take the next step.
First, enroll in the B.S. in Recreation and Sport Management: Pre-Recreational Therapy/Adaptive Recreation Track. Declare your major early, and get started in your Junior year! Once enrolled, students can then choose what direction to go within the program. There are two primary options:
1. Stay and graduate in the Pre-RT/AR Track This degree enables students to work in a variety of settings helping people with disabilities, limitations, illnesses, or youth at risk. The Pre-RT/AR track also offers an opportunity to pick-up a minor OR to complete 18 credits of advised electives (which is an ideal option for people looking to pursue other healthcare related disciplines during graduate school). View program of study.
2. Apply to the Combined BS/MS (4+1) Recreational Therapy Track
To further your education in the field of Recreational Therapy, become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) AND complete a MS degree in only ONE YEAR then this is the option for you! After completing 75 credits in the Pre-RT/AR track, students who have maintained at least a 3.2 GPA may apply to the Combined BS/MS (4+1) RT track which is the centerpiece of the Recreational Therapy program! Upon acceptance, students will receive a B.S. in Recreation & Sport management after completing the required 120 credits, and will be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) to become a CTRS. Following only one more year of graduate coursework, students then receive a M.S. in Recreational Therapy!
The bachelor’s portion of this track is offered online and on campus, but students are required to take three graduate level RT courses during the undergraduate program that are only offered online. The Master’s (+1) portion of this RT track is offered completely online.
If students decide that they do not want to pursue the Master’s portion of this track, students can exit the program after graduating with their B.S. in Recreation & Sport Management: Recreational Therapy track and still be eligible to become a CTRS.
Learn more about the application and admission requirements for the Combined BS/MS RT Track. View Program of Study.
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Why Apply?
Our program is recognized for its educational excellence, and our graduates are well prepared to begin an enormously rewarding career. The Florida International University Recreational Therapy Program was the 2011 recipient of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Education Excellence Award.
The American Therapeutic Recreation Association has recognized our program for excellence, so you will be well prepared to work in a variety of community and clinical settings.
Degree Objectives
The FIU Recreational Therapy program will provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge in the following areas:
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Recreational therapy
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Recreational therapy facilitation techniques
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Program planning in recreational therapy
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Trends, issues and managerial aspects of recreational therapy
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Client assessment, document, & evaluation in recreational therapy
Industry Statistics
The demand for recreational therapists is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020. This anticipated growth is fueled in part by an aging baby-boomer generation, which will need recreational therapists to help treat age-related injuries and illnesses. Other factors contributing to higher employment is an increase in the need for services for disabled students in the education setting, and a shift toward therapist services in outpatient facilities rather than more costly hospital stays (Occupational Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unemployment rates within the industry are some of the lowest, compared to other industries. For recent grads, the current unemployment rate is as low as 5.2 percent; 4.5 percent for experienced grads. For treatment services it is even lower: 2.1 for experienced grads, ( Georgetown University).
Students in our online undergraduate program enjoy tremendous student engagement through interactive technology that offers 24/7 access and support, real-time faculty feedback and a personal success coach to provide 1-on-1 guidance.
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Courses
Pre-Recreational Therapy/
Adaptive Recreation Track Courses
Prerequisite Supportive Courses
Anatomy and lab++(4)
Physiology++(3)
Human Growth & Dev (3)++ or combined anatomy and physiology course and lab (4)
Recreational Therapy Courses
* Recommended to take first when in the Pre-Recreational Therapy/Adaptive Recreation Track in order to learn more about Recreational Therapy
LEI 3703* Introduction to Recreational Therapy. History, philosophy, and current principles of recreational therapy processes and application. Emphasis will be given to role of recreational therapy services.
LEI 4711 - Client Assessment, Documentation, and Evaluation in Recreational Therapy. An overview of the theory, concepts and techniques used in client assessment, evaluation and documentation for recreational therapy treatment. Prerequisite
LEI 4724* - Recreational Therapy Facilitation Techniques. Designed to provide an in-depth examination of RT facilitation techniques as they are implemented with individuals with various disabling conditions or limitations
Recreational Therapy Labs
(Students are required to complete three one-credit lab courses for a total of three (3) credits)
LEI 3723L* - Recreational Therapy Facilitation Techniques and Modalities Lab. Provides an in-depth, "hands-on" experience in the area of RT facilitation technique implementation.
Core Courses
LEI 3001 - Leisure and Recreation in America. An introduction to the fundamental concepts of leisure and recreation and their roles in American culture. The class will be structured around a lecture-discussion format
LEI 3542 - Principles of Parks, Recreation and Sport Management. An exploration of the field of recreation, parks and sport, including career areas, management responsibilities and supervisory levels and principles and theory.
LEI 3707* - Introduction to Recreational Therapy. History, philosophy, and current principles of recreational therapy processes and application. Emphasis will be given to role of recreational therapy services
LEI 3800 - LEI 3800 Liability and Law in Leisure, Recreation and Sports. Legal issues related to leisure service management including legal foundations, legal liability, land use policy, employment regulations, handicapped services, and current issues
Required Supportive Courses
HSC 3537 - Medical Terminology. Provides the student with basic medical language skills including, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions as a foundation for developing the degree of competency required to read and understand medical reports and communicate with physicians and other medical professionals.
CLP 4146 - Abnormal Psychology. Various forms of behavior pathology are examined in the light of traditional and current concepts of mental health and illness. Problems of diagnosis and treatment are discussed. The role of social mores is examined
Minor/Electives
18 credits required (9 can be upper and 9 can be lower; can include a minor; advisor approved)
Required Internship
LEI 4940: Internship I - 160 hours x two rotations = 320 hours total)
Combined BS/MS Degree
(4+1) Recreational Therapy Track Courses
Undergraduate Courses
Prerequisite Supportive Courses
Anatomy and lab++(4)
Physiology ++ (3)
Human Growth & Dev (3)++ or combined anatomy and physiology course and lab (4)
Recreational Therapy Courses
* Recommended to take first when in the Pre-Recreational Therapy/Adaptive Recreation Track in order to learn more about Recreational Therapy
LEI 3703 - Introduction to Recreational Therapy. History, philosophy, and current principles of recreational therapy processes and application. Emphasis will be given to role of recreational therapy services.
LEI 4711 - Client Assessment, Documentation, and Evaluation in Recreational Therapy. An overview of the theory, concepts and techniques used in client assessment, evaluation and documentation for recreational therapy treatment. Prerequisite
LEI 4724 - Recreational Therapy Facilitation Techniques. Designed to provide an in-depth examination of RT facilitation techniques as they are implemented with individuals with various disabling conditions or limitations
Recreational Therapy Labs
(Students are required to complete three one-credit lab courses for a total of three (3) credits)
LEI 3723L - Recreational Therapy Facilitation Techniques and Modalities Lab. Provides an in-depth, "hands-on" experience in the area of RT facilitation technique implementation.
Core Courses
LEI 3001 - Leisure and Recreation in America. An introduction to the fundamental concepts of leisure and recreation and their roles in American culture. The class will be structured around a lecture-discussion format
LEI 3542 - Principles of Parks, Recreation and Sport Management. An exploration of the field of recreation, parks and sport, including career areas, management responsibilities and supervisory levels and principles and theory.
LEI 3707* - Introduction to Recreational Therapy. History, philosophy, and current principles of recreational therapy processes and application. Emphasis will be given to role of recreational therapy services
LEI 3800 - LEI 3800 Liability and Law in Leisure, Recreation and Sports. Legal issues related to leisure service management including legal foundations, legal liability, land use policy, employment regulations, handicapped services, and current issues
Required Supportive Courses
HSC 3537 - Medical Terminology. Provides the student with basic medical language skills including, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions as a foundation for developing the degree of competency required to read and understand medical reports and communicate with physicians and other medical professionals.
CLP 4146 - Abnormal Psychology. Various forms of behavior pathology are examined in the light of traditional and current concepts of mental health and illness. Problems of diagnosis and treatment are discussed. The role of social mores is examined
Required Internships
LEI 4940: Internship I - 160 hours x two rotations = 320 hours total)
LEI 4941: Internship II - 560 hours total w/ CTRS agency supervisor (SUM) completed after LEI 6726, LEI 5716, LEI 6816** & before starting the MS 5th (+1) year
Graduate Courses
Recreational Therapy Courses
LEI 6726** (SP) - Trends, Issues, and Managerial Aspects of Recreational Therapy
LEI 5716** (SP) - Program Planning in Recreational Therapy
LEI 6816** (SP) - Advanced Recreational Therapy Facilitation Techniques
LEI 6725 - Administrative Aspects of Therapeutic Recreation**Taken in Spring semester of senior year as an undergraduate
Core Courses
LEI 5510 - Program Administration in Parks and Recreation
LEI 5605 - Philosophical and Social Bases of Parks and Recreation Planning
EDF 5481 - EDF 5481 Foundations of Educational Research
EDF 6472 OR approved grad level research (Prerequisite: EDF 5481)
LEI 5907 Directed Study OR LEI 6970 Thesis (3-6 credits)
Electives
3 credits: RT graduate advisor approved
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Requirements
To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
FIU Admission Requirements
4+1 Combined BS/MS Recreational Therapy Track
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Applications are accepted for Spring and Fall terms
Pre-Recreational Therapy/Adaptive Recreation Track
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Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.
Steps to Apply
First Year Students
Please submit the following:
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$30 application fee.
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Official SAT or ACT scores.
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Official high school transcripts.
Transfer Students
Please submit the following:
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$30 application fee.
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Official college transcripts.
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If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
International Students
In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:
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Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
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Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.
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If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.
Returning Students
Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted.
FIU has policies for students who left FIU, please cli ck h ere for more details.
Please submit the following:
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Online application $30 application fee.
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Updated official transcripts
Program Admission Requirements
Pre-Recreational/Adaptive Recreation Track
A minimum lower-division GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Either 60 credit hours of lower division coursework or an AA degree from an accredited institution.
Admission Documents
To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:
Florida International University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 659003
Miami, FL 33265-9003
USA
FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:-
Faster (All FL public institutions)
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Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)
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SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records
*Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
Note:
**FIU students are not eligible to complete Recreational Therapy internships in the state of NC due to a new state licensure law passed in August 2015.
FIU still accepts eligible students into the Recreational Therapy program who are residents of NC, but these students must complete their internships in a state outside of NC.
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Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree
After completing 75 credits in the Pre-RT/AR track, students who have maintained at least a 3.2 GPA may apply to the Combined BS/MS (4+1) RT track which is the centerpiece of the Recreational Therapy program! Upon acceptance, students will receive a B.S. in Recreation & Sport management after completing the required 120 credits, and will be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) to become a CTRS. Following only one more year of graduate coursework, students then receive a M.S. in Recreational Therapy. -
Tuition
We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.
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Top Faculty
Cari E. Autry, PhD, CTRS is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Recreational Therapy (RT) Program in the Department of Leadership and Professional Studies, College of Arts, Sciences and Education. She is currently the Program Director for the RT Program. She teaches classroom and/or online sections of Inclusive Recreation Services, Introduction to RT, Program Planning in RT, Trends, Issues and Managerial Aspects of RT, and Directed Study in RT at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Autry received her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Special Education from the University of Florida. She has been an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida and at Arizona State University prior to moving to Miami. Her primary research interests include therapeutic recreation, social capital and community development in relation to the needs of at-risk youth and families. Her research has been presented at state, national, and international conferences related to therapeutic recreation education, youth development, homelessness, community development, and social capital. Dr. Autry has published in journals such as the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, World Leisure Journal, Leisure Sciences, Sociology of Sport Journal, and Leisure/Loisir. She is currently an Associate Editor for the Therapeutic Recreation Journal.
Tania Santiago-Perez, MS, CTRS is an Instructor in the Recreational Therapy (RT) Program in the Department of Leadership and Professional Studies, College of Arts, Sciences and Education. She earned her B.S in Exercise Physiology and her M.S in Recreation and Sport Management: Recreational Therapy from FIU. She started her professional career at a nonprofit organization working as a Recreation and Sports Coordinator. After getting her M.S. in RT, she started working at an Assisted Living Facility. Then, she went to Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces where she worked as a Recreational Therapist with a variety of populations including children and adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, children with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments; and veterans. She is a member of ATRA and has presented at the national level at the ATRA annual conference in 2012 and 2014 and at the state level at the FRPA annual conference. Her major areas of interest within RT include Developmental Disabilities, Special Olympics, Aquatics, and Paralympics.
Tonia Zyburt, MS, CTRS is the Internship Coordinator for the Recreational Therapy (RT) Program in the Department of Leadership and Professional Studies, College of Arts, Sciences and Education. Prior to moving to Miami, Tonia co-founded a non-profit organization called Warrior Institute in Gainesville, FL. and served as the director since 2011. Warrior Institute provides innovative outdoor based recreation therapy and biofeedback training programs for veterans and their family members. While at WI, Tonia planned and facilitated a variety of programs (including kayak, canoe and hiking outings, multi-day camping trips, a mandala retreat among other programs). During her time in Gainesville, Tonia also worked part-time as a CTRS at Shands Rehab Hospital. Tonia received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Brain, Behavior & Cognitive Science and her master’s degree at East Carolina University in Recreational Therapy Administration. Tonia is also a yoga instructor, most notably having taught at the Gainesville VA as a part of the employee health program. Tonia has also assisted with various adaptive sports clinics across the country, worked as a back-country trip leader and instructed several outdoor recreation college courses. In addition to being the FIU Internship coordinator, she is also instructor for several internship sections and RT lab.
120 Credits Required
$228.81 Per Credit Hour (In-State) + Fees
$345.87 Per Credit Hour (Out-of-State) + Fees
Highlights
Fully Online Degree
Combined degree option (4+1): Requires additional credits/tuition rate
Internships available
FAQs
Program starts: Fall, Spring, Summer
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