Academics / Departments & Programs / Kinesiology / Academics / Therapeutic Recreation Major (BSR)
Therapeutic Recreation
major
Degree Overview
At Calvin, you get the best of both worlds. By attending one of the only Christian universities with a therapeutic recreation degree, you’ll get that close-knit, supportive community where your professors know you really well.
In addition, therapeutic recreation major is an excellent choice for students interested in attending graduate school for Occupational Therapy (OT) or other allied health pursuits. Graduates of the TR program have a high success rate in getting accepted to graduate schools in OT.
Plus, you’ll get the opportunities and resources you’d expect from a big school: faculty who are real leaders with deep connections throughout their field, opportunities to be certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist, internships in Grand Rapids’ famous Medical Mile—everything you need to go out there and bring hope and healing to people who need it.
When you graduate, you’ll join other Calvin therapeutic recreation alumni who have meaningful careers. You’ll use sport, play, and community participation to tangibly improve the lives of people with debilitating health conditions.
Program Distinctives



Take the next step:
Degree Information
major
-
Courses
Loading...
-
Other Details
Therapeutic Recreation Internship
The therapeutic recreation internship provides majors with a full-time structured learning experience in a therapeutic setting. Learn more about internships.
Certification
Upon successful completion of all coursework and internship requirements, graduates with the bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation are eligible to sit for the national certifying examination in therapeutic recreation administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) and the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The NCTRC pass rate of students from Calvin University therapeutic recreation program is well above the national rate.
Associations
Students are encouraged to join professional associations as student members. Consider joining the ATRA:
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
PO Box 15215
Hattiesburg , MS 39404-5215
601-264-3413
http://www.atra-tr.orgMichigan Therapeutic Recreation Association
P.O. Box 445
Byron Center, Michigan 49315 -
Certification
Therapeutic recreation majors should consider certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Students must meet specific academic requirements related to coursework and an internship in order to apply for certification. Upon approval of the application to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), the student will receive an invitation to sit for the national exam. This exam tests for knowledge about the important skills and information necessary for minimum competency in therapeutic recreation practice. Upon meeting the eligibility requirements and passing the exam, the individual will receive the CTRS credential which requires annual maintenance and renewal every five years.
Contact Professor Youngkhill Lee for more information.
Prepare for med school and beyond
Calvin’s pre-professional health program is specially designed to work well with majors like therapeutic recreation. If your career goals include medical school, you’ll find expert support and guidance here.


Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.
You can afford a Calvin education.
You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.
A reputation for excellence.
There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.
Browse by category
- Arts
- Business
- Communication & Media Studies
- Education
Undergraduate education
- Birth to Kindergarten
- Pre-Kindergarten to 3rd Grade
- 3rd to 6th Grade
- Art: Pre-K to 12th Grade
- French: Pre-K to 12th Grade
- Health & PE: Pre-K to 12th Grade
- Spanish: Pre-K to 12th Grade
- Special Education Pre-K to 12th Grade
- TESOL: Pre-K to 12th Grade
- Secondary Education
- English: 5th to 9th Grade
- Math: 5th to 9th Grade
- Science: 5th to 9th Grade
- Social Studies: 5th to 9th Grade
- English: 7th to 12th Grade
- Math: 7th to 12th Grade
- Science: 7th to 12th Grade
- Social Studies: 7th to 12th Grade
- Health Sciences
- Exercise Science
- Kinesiology (Pre-professional Emphasis)
- Nursing
- One Health
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Podiatry
- Pre-Veterinary
- Public Health
- Recreation Leadership
- Speech Pathology and Audiology (BA, MA)
- Master of Speech Pathology
- Theraputic Recreation
- Humanities
- Ministry
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- World Languages & Cultural Studies
Apply to Calvin
It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.
Start your journeyVisit Calvin
Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!
Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tourRequest Info
Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional Midwest universities.
Costs & Financial Aid
Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.
Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost?