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2012-2013 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation

Requirements for a Major in Therapeutic Recreation

The curriculum for the bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation is designed to provide the essential competencies and skills related to professional practice in therapeutic settings. Students desiring a major in therapeutic recreation must complete the following:

1. University Degree Requirements

As identified in the General Academic Policies section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

2. Therapeutic Recreation Core:

3. Electives

Two courses:

4. Cognates:

5. Academic Standards

To embark on the fieldwork and internship experience, students must show academic competence. The criterion for competence is 80 percent in each REC designated course.

6. Certifications

  1. First aid/CPR certification must be current before registering for REC 318, Fieldwork, or REC 490, Internship.
  2. Water Safety Instructor (W.S.I.) certification is often an internship requirement in a clinical rehabilitation setting. Students interested in physical rehabilitation or aquatics should consider pursuing this certification.

7. Credential

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (N.C.T.R.C.) Credential: It is the students responsibility to be sure that they comply with N.C.T.R.C. standards during their course of study. The certification process can only be pursued by the graduate. Universities and colleges are not permitted to enter into this process. Grand Valleys therapeutic recreation faculty can only advise the student on which courses to take. Upon application, the N.C.T.R.C. board has the sole responsibility of reviewing the academic program and ascertaining whether a graduate is permitted to sit for the National Certification Examination. All decisions regarding certification are determined by the N.C.T.R.C. Board.

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Therapeutic Recreation

First Year

Fall Credits: 14

  • General education course Credits: 3

Winter Credits: 14

  • General education course Credits: 3
  • General education course Credits: 3

Second Year

Fall Credits: 16

  • General education course Credits: 3

Winter Credits: 15

  • General education course Credits: 3

Third Year

Fall Credits: 13

  • General education course Credits: 3

Winter Credits: 12/15

  • General education course Credits: 3
  • Theme course Credits: 3

Summer

Fourth Year

Fall Credits: 9/15

Winter Credits: 12/15

  • Theme course Credits: 3

Summer

Therapeutic Recreation Program Description

Click here for the program description.



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