Therapeutic Recreation

major

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

Prepare for success - Your professors will know you and your career goals well. And they’ll use their experience and connections to hook you up with opportunities where you can do great things.
Practical experience - Almost every kinesiology major graduates with internship experience. You’ll find plenty of opportunities in Grand Rapids’ dense community of hospitals and medical facilities.
Incredible spaces - Calvin's facilities and spaces are top-notch. You’ll learn in spaces that celebrate physical health and activity, from a climbing wall to huge sports facilities.

Take the next step:

Degree Information

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  • Courses
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  • 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.org

    Michigan 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.

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