The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree with a major in Recreational Therapy prepares students for careers as recreational therapists in health and human service settings such as hospitals, geriatric care facilities, and community-based organizations. The degree meets the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification’s (NCTRC) professional eligibility requirements to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Program Highlights
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Students apply course concepts and gain practical skills through their participation in the various structured hands-on and service learning opportunities embedded within the Recreational Therapy curriculum. Students engage with youth in the Mighty Monarchs wheelchair sports program, facilitate a senior wellness program in a local geriatric care facility, assist with Special Olympics, and complete a senior internship experience under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Requirements
Prerequisite Requirements:
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ENGL 110C (minimum grade of C)
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BIOL 240 or 250
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BIOL 241 or 251
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PSYC 203S, and RT 261 (minimum grade of C-)
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Complete a background check in RT 261 – Foundations of Recreational Therapy to ensure eligibility for service-learning experiences with youth.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
This course is designed to introduce students to various recreational therapy interventions used in practice. Students will explore physical, cognitive, and psychosocial interventions. Facilitation techniques, activity modification, and group facilitation will also be explored. Students will lead group recreational therapy interventions during lab. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor; PRTS 261 with a grade of C- or better.
This course will emphasize how disability is defined and understood on both a micro and macro level as related to the field of recreational therapy. The symptomatology of various disabilities will be explored and correlated with specific recreational therapy strategies and techniques for treatment. In addition, explanatory models of disability will be covered, including an exploration of the ethical issues associated with various ways disability has been understood and represented over time. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor; PRTS 261 with a grade C- or better.
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Contact
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