Recreational Therapy
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • varies per track Credits
Recreational therapy is a treatment approach that uses recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Graduates enter a profession that assists people with disabilities to be more independent and achieve a higher quality of life, changing lives through transformative and innovative application of recreation and leisure.
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Science in Recreational Therapy (MSRT) program is designed to enhance the skills of recreational therapists to meet the increasingly complex needs of their clients. The program offers two degree options: a combined bachelor's and master's degree, and a one-year master's degree for those who are already Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).
The program covers a range of advanced topics to prepare students for evidence-based practice in recreational therapy. Coursework includes subjects such as grant writing, research, consulting, documentation, and advanced practice in recreational therapy. Students will also engage in observations and service learning within various healthcare settings, participate in problem-based learning, and collaborate on projects to develop teamwork and interpersonal skills.
As the only recreational therapy master's program in Michigan and the first advanced-practice program in the U.S. within a college of health professions, it is designed to address the growing need for research and evidence-based practice in the field. The curriculum is nationally recognized and provides diverse employment opportunities after graduation. Graduates of the program are equipped to help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life through innovative and transformative applications of recreation and leisure.
College of Health Professions
School of Interdisciplinary Health
Recreational Therapy
106 Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall
500 Lafayette Ave. NE
Grand
Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5600
Program Director
Dawn De Vries, DHA, MPA,
CTRS
(616) 331-5553
Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 1 with rolling admissions for fall cohort. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University.
Career Opportunities
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 24,028.47 | 10% |
| $ 35,653.31 | 25% |
| $ 56,085.71 | 50% |
| $ 86,242.14 | 75% |
| $148,744.59 | 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 |
|---|---|
| $ 48,547.20 | 10% |
| $ 52,041.60 | 25% |
| $ 63,211.20 | 50% |
| $ 69,347.20 | 75% |
| $ 73,320.00 | 90% |
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 24,028.47 | 10% |
| $ 35,653.31 | 25% |
| $ 56,085.71 | 50% |
| $ 86,242.14 | 75% |
| $148,744.59 | 90% |
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
1st Advanced Program in the U.S.
And the only program in Michigan.
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
A Unique Learning Environment
Located in the state-of-the-art Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, the program provides a unique learning environment with specialized facilities, including an adventure therapy course and adaptive sports courts.
An In-Demand Program
The program is the only recreational therapy master's program in Michigan and the first advanced-practice program in the U.S. within a college of health professions.
Real-World Experience
Students participate in observations and service learning to increase experience within various health care settings. Problem-based learning and collaborative projects will be included, as well as developing teamwork and interpersonal skills.
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