Students take courses from faculty members who are experienced, certified and licensed
recreational therapists. Basic coursework includes courses on assessing clients, writing
treatment plans and learning documentation, and understanding treatment modalities.
In addition, several upper-division courses include service-learning practice in areas
such as older adults, intellectual & disabilities, and behavioral health. To fulfill
their degree programs, students complete full-time internships under the supervision
of licensed recreational therapists at a wide variety of hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, and long-term care facilities. In addition, WCU's Recreational Therapy Association
hosts special events, service learning projects, guest speakers and field trips to
exemplary recreational therapy programs in the region. Students also attend professional
conferences hosted by organizations such as the North Carolina Recreational Therapy
Association.
Where You'll Go
Graduates of WCU's program exceed all necessary requirements to sit for the exam leading
to national certification and North Carolina licensure in recreational therapy. Employing
recreational therapists are psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, wilderness
therapy programs, physical rehabilitation hospitals, adult day care center, prisons
and juvenile care facilities and schools. Undergraduates in WCU's program are sought
after by clinical agencies interested in hiring them to work as 1:1 supports and in
direct care positions; graduates are employed by hospitals and treatment centers throughout
the region and across the nation.
Recreational Therapy students learn how to use recreation and other active treatment
interventions to help people recover or strengthen physical and cognitive abilities;
reduce depression, stress and anxiety; build confidence; or interact socially. Recreational
therapists often work as part of a clinical treatment team in hospital settings, though
others may work in areas such as day treatment, adventure-based therapy, or therapeutic
recreation sections of parks and recreation departments. Treatment interventions may
include areas such as physical activity, stress management and relaxation therapies,
community integration, assertiveness, or pain management. WCU was the first accredited
university in the country to offer a bachelor of science degree specifically in recreational
therapy, and was the first to obtain CAAHEP accreditation through the (CARTE).
Degree Options
School
College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Health Sciences
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Application
Admission through general WCU undergraduate enrollment; meet with program advisor
to plan for secondary application to the professional sequence.
The Recreational Therapy program at WCU prepares students for careers in healthcare,
rehabilitation, community recreation, and therapeutic services. You’ll develop clinical
skills, professional knowledge, and critical thinking abilities, with opportunities
for hands-on internships, research, and community engagement.
Recreational Therapy uses recreation and activity-based interventions to address the
needs of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. It aims to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate functioning, promote health and wellness, reduce activity limitations, and enhance
overall quality of life.
WCU’s Recreational Therapy program prepares students to become skilled entry-level
recreational therapists through a curriculum emphasizing knowledge, practical skills,
and professional behavior.
Gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in rehabilitation to support individuals
across healthcare and community settings.
WCU Recreational Therapy students are recognized each spring through program awards
and scholarships, including the Leadership in Service and Excellence in Scholarship
awards.
Students can apply to over 70 agencies across the country. Internship sites include
behavioral health, physical rehabilitation, older adults, intellectual and developmental
disabilities (IDD), veterans, and community settings.
WCU offers the first CARTE accredited B.S. in Recreational Therapy in the U.S. The
program prepares entry-level recreational therapists with the knowledge, skills, and
professional behavior needed for careers in healthcare and community settings.
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