Recreational Therapy
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 120 Credits
Recreational therapists use recreational activities to help individuals with disabilities or illnesses improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Overview
This program provides a comprehensive education in recreational therapy, focusing on the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic services. Students learn how to use activities such as sports, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor adventures to help clients achieve their physical, emotional, and social goals.
Courses cover essential topics like therapeutic recreation program design, assessment and documentation, and interventions in recreational therapy. The program also includes hands-on clinical experiences and internships, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings and gain real-world experience working with diverse populations.
The program's strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement ensures that you are well-prepared for careers in health care, rehabilitation, and community-based settings. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive academic environment, you are positioned for success in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals through therapeutic recreation.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (caahep.org) under the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education.
Admission Information
Students spend two years completing the general education and prerequisite courses. After admission to the secondary competitive program, students complete two years of full-time professional coursework. Application deadline for secondary admission is February 15; applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. For more information on the program and to apply now, click here.
College of Health Professions
School of Interdisciplinary Health
Recreational Therapy
500 Lafayette Ave. NE, Suite 106
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5600
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 58,200.58 | 10% |
| $ 71,888.69 | 25% |
| $ 82,258.92 | 50% |
| $ 95,890.62 | 75% |
| $104,598.62 | 90% |
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Top skills- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 58,200.58 | 10% |
| $ 71,888.69 | 25% |
| $ 82,258.92 | 50% |
| $ 95,890.62 | 75% |
| $104,598.62 | 90% |
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 21,873.20 | 10% |
| $ 34,292.97 | 25% |
| $ 49,077.56 | 50% |
| $ 69,695.47 | 75% |
| $105,936.20 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Top skills- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,952.00 | 10% |
| $ 50,086.39 | 25% |
| $ 59,051.20 | 50% |
| $ 67,516.80 | 75% |
| $ 76,003.20 | 90% |
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
By Direct Parent
94%
Graduates Employed
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (caahep.org) under the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Located in the state-of-the-art Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall with a one-of-a-kind recreational therapy classroom/lab space including adventure therapy course and adaptive sports court(s), in close proximity to five hospitals, and many research, clinical, and treatment facilities.
Recreational Therapy Student Organization
The Recreational Therapy Student Association (RTSA) creates opportunities for the professional development of recreational therapy students at Grand Valley State University.
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