Recreational Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Recreational Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation?
As defined by the American Therapeutic Recreation Therapy Association, Recreational Therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses, disabling conditions, and/or adverse circumstances to promote psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being. Recreational Therapy aims to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate the client’s level of functioning and independence in life activities. Recreational Therapists work in a variety of clinical and community settings and utilize their unique expertise to help individuals overcome barriers to well-being and/or participation in meaningful leisure activities.
What can I do with a degree in Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapists practice in a variety of settings to include, physical medicine and rehabilitation, behavioral and mental health care, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, adult day programs, park and recreation, adapted sports, acute care hospitals, pediatric hospitals, community programs and schools.
How can I get certified in recreational therapy?
Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy are eligible to take the national CTRS examination. Additionally, students who complete a degree in another field of study, may also seek national certification by completing the required therapeutic recreation content courses, supportive courses, and professional experience either through an academic internship or work experience. Such students are encouraged to complete the minor or certificate in recreational therapy to complete a portion of the requirements and reference the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification standards for more information about educational and professional experience requirements required for exam eligibility.
Is the ASU Recreational Therapy Program Accredited?
Yes. The Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT). COAPRT is, in turn, accredited by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). More information about the professional accreditation and assessment of learning outcomes is available on the School of Community Resources and Development website.
Does the ASU program prepare me for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Exam?
The Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy curriculum includes all requirements outlined by NCTRC for exam eligibility. During the 2023 - 2024 testing period 89.5% students passed the exam in comparison to the 79.6% national average.
How can I learn more about Recreational Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation?
Quick Facts: Recreational Therapists
Occupational Outlook
National Professional Organization
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Arizona State Professional Organization
Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association
International Credentialing Organization
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
How do I apply for the Bachelors Degree in Recreational Therapy?
General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
Can I pursue the Recreational Therapy Certificate if I am not an ASU student?
Yes. You can apply to ASU as a non-degree seeking student. Once admitted you can fill out the certificate form.
- If you already have a bachelor’s degree: apply as a nondegree graduate student.
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree: apply as a nondegree undergraduate student. Once admitted, submit the departmental application for the certificate.
How do I add the minor or certificate in Recreational Therapy if I’m already an ASU student?
Current ASU students can add the Certificate in Recreational Therapy by selecting the “Add Certificate” option on the program’s informational page in their student portal.
I am an ASU student, how do I change my major to Recreational Therapy?
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change into this program.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
When do I get my certificate?
Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree if you are a current degree seeking student. If you are a nondegree seeking student pursuing a certificate fill out this form.
What if I only want to take a few courses in Recreational Therapy?
Students not interested in the full certificate can apply as nondegree seeking student to enroll in individual courses.
What are the differences between completing the certificate on campus (ground) vs. online?
Both pathways provide the same curriculum and faculty expertise. Ground courses offer in-person, hands-on learning in the Phoenix community, while online courses provide flexibility for students balancing work or other commitments. Be sure to review the tuition calculator.
What’s the difference between the minor and the certificate in Recreational Therapy?
A minor can only be added on to your major while a certificate can be pursued either while an undergraduate student or after you received your bachelors degree. Certificate credit may apply to your degree. Speak with your advisor for more information.
Can I transfer credits from another university or community college?
When you are admitted to ASU you will meet with an advisor to determine how your transfer credits apply. Visit the transfer guide to identify how courses directly transfer to ASU.
What are my options to transfer from an Arizona community college?
Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer. ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona.
Does ASU’s Recreational Therapy program include an internship?
If you plan to pursue national certification, you will complete RTH 463: Internship in Recreational Therapy after finishing most of your core RT courses. Prior to this, students take RTH 413: Leadership and Professional Development in Recreational Therapy, which provides guidance and support in securing internship placements.
What courses are available to ASU?
Refer to the specific curriculum checksheets for academic requirements.Students will have an opportunity to individualize their learning experience by adding a variety of electives. Explore titles and course descriptions:
- CRD - Community Resources and Development
- NLM - Nonprofit Leadership and Management
- PRM - Parks, Recreation, and Sports Management
- RTH - Recreational Therapy
- TDM - Tourism Development and Management
How long does it take to complete the BS, minor, or certificate?
This will depend on the amount of credits you may have transferred in or the amount of credits you are able to take a semester. Connect with Watts Advising to discuss. This will depend on the amount of credits you may have transferred in or the amount of credits
If I add the minor or certificate to my academic degree, how do I gain eligibility through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)?
The minor and certificate in Recreational Therapy provide students with a portion of the courses required to gain eligibility to take the national certification exam through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Refer to the academic curriculum for specific information about completing six recreational therapy content courses. In addition to completing a minimum of six therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy content courses, students need to complete supportive coursework as outlined in the NCTRC standards. These include anatomy and physiology (BIO 160 or 210), Human Development (CDE 232) or Developmental Psychology (PSY ) and Psychological Disorders (PSY 366). Additionally, students must complete professional experience which can be in the form of an academic internship (RTH 463) or professional experience. Students will be given guidance and support with these options during RTH 413, Leadership and Professional Development in Recreational Therapy, and are encouraged to connect with their academic advisor and NCTRC.
What are the accelerated BS-to-MS pathways?
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Community Resources and Development (Nonprofits and NGOs), MS
Community Resources and Development (Parks and Recreation Management), MS
Community Resources and Development (Sustainable Communities), MS
Community Resources and Development (Tourism), MS
Community Resources and Development, MS
Interdisciplinary Education on Community Health and Wellbeing, MA
What student organizations are available for Recreational Therapy majors?
AoRT Student Club is a paraprofessional organization that has teamed up with professionals throughout the state of Arizona who believe in utilizing recreational interventions to improve an individual's quality of life.
We encourage student membership in the fields of recreation, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, social work and counseling, special education, primary and secondary education and other science-service based majors that are willing to participate in facilitating therapeutic activities and events. More information about the club.
Does ASU offer a degree in Child Life?
Arizona State University does not offer a degree in Child Life, but we do support students with their goal to gain eligibility for Child Life certification. The following webpage outlines how ASU coursework aligns with the Child Life curriculum guidelines: Education in Child Life
How can my education and experience contribute to gaining eligibility for Certification as a Child Life Specialist?
We recommend that students work closely with the Association of Child Life Professionals to determine what courses are needed to meet all requirements.
Can I take select courses at ASU without enrolling in a degree or certificate program?
Yes, at ASU, you can take only the courses you need as a non-degree seeking student. The first step is to apply as a non-degree student. You will have the choice to enroll as a graduate student is you already have an undergraduate degree or enroll as an undergraduate student if you are in the process of earning your undergraduate degree.
How can the recreational therapy certificate support my goals to become a Certified Child Life Specialist?
The Recreational Therapy Certificate is an option for some students because it includes a portion of required courses and provides students with a cohesive learning experience. Students will connect with faculty who are Certified Child Life Specialists and receive support and guidance networking, gaining hands-on experience, and applying for a practicum and/or internship.
How do I enroll in the Recreational Therapy Certificate?
After you apply as a non-degree student and receive a student ID number:
Review course offerings and availability in the class search. Enroll in courses. We recommend students begin the program by taking the following two courses.
- RTH 364 Foundations in Recreational Therapy
- Introduces students to the Therapeutic Process used in Child Life
- CDE 244: Children Facing Healthcare Challenges
- Course taught by a CCLS