THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

Program List

Associate in Science Degree

Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, 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: Stacey Williams, swilliams@nwcc.commnet.edu, 860-738-6427

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

General Education Requirements
Composition	ENG*101	Composition	3
Literature or Communication	ENG*102	Literature & Composition	3
Behavioral Science	PSY*111	General Psychology I	3
Humanities/ Arts		Directed Elective in Fine Arts	3
Mathematics		Mathematics Elective	3
Laboratory Sciences	BIO* 110 and BIO*110L OR BIO* 115	Principles of Human Body with Lab OR Cell Biology with Organ Systems (BIO 115 if taken prior to Fall 2012)	4
Social Science		Social Science Elective	3
Liberal Arts	Com*173	Public Speaking	3
			25
Program Requirements
		Computer Science Elective	3
	PHL* 112 HSE* 235	Medical Ethics and Law OR Ethical Issues in Human Services	3
	MED* 125	Medical Terminology	3
	SOC*101	Principles of Sociology	3
	HPE*	Physical Activities Elective	1
	HPE*	Physical Activities Elective	1
			14
Specialized Program Requirements
	HSE* 101	Intro to Human Services	3
	RLS*121	Intro to Therapeutic Recreation Services	3
	RLS*122	Procedures &Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation	3
	RLS*215	Recreation Leadership & Supervision	3
	RLS*219	FIeld Work In Recreation Leadership	3
	RLS*221	Therapeutic Recreation Programming	3
		Elective	3
			21
		Total	60

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. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
13. Deliver effective public presentations regarding recreation in modern society.