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 masters in recreational therapy is the only recreational therapy master's program in Michigan, with a combined bachelor's and master's option and a one-year option for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). 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.
- 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.
School of Interdisciplinary Health
106
Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall
(616) 331-5555
(616) 331-5555
Meet our Recreational
Therapy faculty
503
(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
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 |
|---|---|
| $ 64,942.02 | 10% |
| $ 78,120.43 | 25% |
| $ 89,435.51 | 50% |
| $100,411.15 | 75% |
| $108,327.24 | 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 |
|---|---|
| $ 42,265.60 | 10% |
| $ 51,188.80 | 25% |
| $ 61,692.80 | 50% |
| $ 72,009.59 | 75% |
| $ 73,694.40 | 90% |
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 26,975.51 | 10% |
| $ 27,748.86 | 25% |
| $ 29,344.73 | 50% |
| $ 34,624.82 | 75% |
| $ 38,467.68 | 90% |
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,453.73 | 10% |
| $ 52,154.20 | 25% |
| $ 61,557.45 | 50% |
| $ 68,890.90 | 75% |
| $ 79,312.84 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
1st Advanced Program in the U.S.
And the only program in Michigan.
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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