RECREATION LEADERSHIP

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION OPTION

Program List

Associate in Science Degree

Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities, games, dance and movement, drums, music, and community outings, therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental and emotional well-being of their clients. Therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence, as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, therapists help integrate people with disabilities into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities.

Advisor: H. Clark Schroeder, hcschroeder@nwcc.commnet.edu, 860-738-6427

Note: A minimum grade of "C" is required in all recreation courses.

General Education Requirements
  ENG*101 Composition 3

Literature or Communication

 ENG*102 Literature & Composition 3
Behavioral Science PSY*111 General Psychology I 3
Humanities/ Arts   Humanities or Arts Elective 3
Mathematics MAT* Mathematics Elective1 3
Natural/ Physical Science    Lab Science Elective 4
Social Science   Social Science Elective 3
Liberal Arts Com*173 Public Speaking 3
         25
Program Requirements
   RLS*101 Intro to Recreation & leisure Service 3
   RLS*201 First Aid & Emergency Care 3
   RLS*215 Rec Leadership & Supervision 3
   RLS*219 Field Work in Recreation Leadership 3
   SOC*101 Principles of Sociology 3
   HPE* Physical Activities 1
   HPE* Physical Activities 1
         17
Specialized Program Requirements
  HSE*202 Intro to Counseling & Interviewing 3
  RLS*102 Social Recreation 3
  RLS*103 Social & Folk Dance 2
  RLS*121 Intro to Therapeutic Recreation Serv 3
   RLS*122 Procedures & Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation 3
  RLS*221 Therapeutic Recreation Programming 3
     Computer Science Elective 1 3
      20
    Total 62
1. BIO*115 is recommended   2. Selected in consultation with advisor.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates should be able to:

  1. Discuss the history of the recreation movement in the United States and the importance of play to all children and adults.
  2. Manage a residential treatment center’s therapeutic recreation department effectively and efficiently.
  3. Develop programs and activities designed for the abilities of disabled clients.
  4. Demonstrate effective problem solving abilities in therapeutic recreation settings.
  5. Obtain client information through interview, observation and research.
  6. Competently function within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
  7. Identify a variety of special population groups and understand their special needs.
  8. Communicate effectively with clients, their families, co-workers and administrators.
  9. Conduct a variety of small and large group recreational activities.
  10. Schedule league and tournament activities.
  11. Develop recreational activities and programs specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of clients while bringing about a desired change.
  12. Administer emergency first aid.
  13. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  14. Deliver effective public presentations