Recreational Therapy
Welcome to fall semester 2011!
This semester begins with students going to visit the state representatives in the house and senate at the Capitol in Indianapolis to talk our legislators about health care issues and the possibility of licensure for recreation therapists in the state. We are also involved in exciting research in the area of physical activity and lifestyle interventions for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, yoga to reduce disabling conditions, and interventions to reduce stroke risk for individuals who have had a “mini” stroke or TIA. Please contact me if you have any questions about the program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck
SEE YOURSELF...
- increasing the self-esteem of adults with psychiatric difficulties by helping them maneuver through a high ropes course
- teaching a patient who has had a stroke to increase range of motion
- helping an adolescent with a disability chart a course for easing her transition into adult life
- leading a swimming class for older adults with arthritis
- helping residents of a group home become members of the larger community by supervising a community outing
If you can picture yourself in a rewarding professional career enriching the lives of others by helping them maintain a physical, mental, and emotional well being, then choose the Therapeutic Recreation specialization at Indiana University.
You Can Get There from Here
In recreational therapy careers you're the guide, assisting individuals with special challenges to function well in their daily activities. You provide people who have illnesses or disabling conditions with the means to reduce depression and anxiety, recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence, build and maintain fitness, and socialize. You help other gain confidence and reach their full potential, and have fun in the process.
Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies at Indiana University helps its undergraduates learn to help other by serving as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. With its expert faculty, excellent programs, and hands-on experiences, the department can help you build a fulfilling career.
Recreational Therapy Specialization
The Recreational Therapy specialization focuses on enhancing the quality of people's lives by helping them be their best. In 2001, IU's Recreational Therapy specialization received an "Excellence in Education" award from the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Students pursue a course of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, with a specialization in Therapeutic Recreation.
The curriculum includes a general education core of recreational therapy specialization courses, electives, 320 hours of field experience, and an internship. Each student meets regularly with a faculty advisor for ongoing academic and career planning.
After completing the program, students are eligible for certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
Continuing Educational Opportunities
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Recreation with a specialization in Recreational Therapy
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leisure Behavior
Follow in These Footsteps
Therapeutic recreation specialists assess individuals' needs and plan, implement, and evaluate specific interventions. They work in a broad range of settings, including:
- Rehabilitation, pediatric, and psychiatric hospitals
- Adult day care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Developmental learning centers
- Long-term and residential care facilities
- Mental health centers
- Park and recreation departments
- Chemical dependency units
- Special education programs
- Veterans affairs hospitals
- Private practice
Recreation, park and Tourism Studies prepares and makes available to all students in the department a monthly nationwide listing of recreation-related jobs totaling more than 1,500 annually.
Real-World Experience
Through class practica, projects, internship opportunities, and field experiences, the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies helps you apply what you learn when - and where - you learn it. Nearby facilities include:
- Bradford Woods Outdoor Educational Center: The 2,500-acre leadership and development center offers adventure recreational and leadership programs, challenge-based therapeutic programs, and environmental education programs.
- Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department: This comprehensive public agency, which is certified and a gold medal award winner, offers inclusive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions and the elderly.
- People and Animal Learning Services, Inc. (PALS): This group provides therapeutic animal-assisted activities such as horseback riding, hippotherapy, animal care, and pet encounter therapy to children and adults with disabilities.
- National Center on Accessibility: In cooperation with the National Center on Accessibility Management Program, the National Center on Accessibility focuses on solutions to make recreation, parks and tourism accessible to all.
The Bloomington area has a YMCA and many excellent city and county park, recreation, and sports facilities; and assisted living communities. Agencies such as the Area 10 Agency on Aging and Stone Belt provide a full range of programs and a referral services to bring about self-directed and fulfilled lives for all citizens. The Roudebush Veterans Affairs Hospital is located in Indianapolis, about an hour's drive away.
Degree Requirements
BS in Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation - Requirements effective for students starting at IUB beginning summer 2011
BS in Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation - Requirements effective for students starting at IUB beginning summer 2010
BS in Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation - Requirements effective for students starting at IUB between fall 2008 and spring 2010
124 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA required for graduation
Admissions
A student seeking admission to the Recreational Therapy major within the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies must declare this major while in the University Division. When the student has passed 26 credits and has a cumulative GPA of 2.3, this student will be automatically certified into this School of HPER major program. A student, who is already in an upper division school must visit the School of HPER Records Office in HPER 115 to request to change from the current major to the Recreational Therapy major program.
Join Our Learning Team
Be a part of the exciting learning and living opportunities available through Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies at Indiana University.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about the faculty, programs, facilities, and admission and academic requirements for the Recreational Therapy specialization, please contact:
Coordinator: Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck
E-Mail: mvp@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-855-4711
