THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM  

Faculty
Rena A. Koesler, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Recreation and Program Coordinator
Susan E. Lynch, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation is an allied-health profession that utilizes recreation and leisure experiences to assist people with various disabilities in developing and maintaining a personally meaningful leisure lifestyle which encompasses functional independence, health and well-being. Through specific therapy, leisure education, and recreation participation, therapeutic recreation is practiced in a variety of clinical and community settings such as: rehabilitation and general medical facilities; mental health and psychiatric facilities for children and adults; substance treatment programs; corrections; specialized and outdoor programs for adjudicated youth; long-term and day-care facilities and nursing homes; residences for individuals with developmental disabilities, and in community recreation and park agencies.
     Longwood's nationally accredited and recognized Therapeutic Recreation Program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in leisure theory and an in-depth concentration in disability studies and therapeutic recreation principles and practices. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation which prepares them for many entry-level positions.
     Academic course work is complemented with 120 hours of preliminary fieldwork and two professionally supervised internship experiences which may be completed in a variety of agencies and locations. Students must maintain a minimal GPA of 2.0 overall and a 2.25 in the major in order to be eligible for pre-professional practice.
     Upon graduation, students become eligible to sit for the national certification exam through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).    

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION MAJOR, B.S. DEGREE  

A.    General Education Core Requirement. 32 credits.
      See General Education Requirements  

Must have a 2.0 overall and 2.25 in major courses**  

D.   Professional Electives: 4 credits  

E.   Total Credits Required for B.S. Degree in Therapeutic Recreation - 123  

Outdoor Education Minor 

This minor is open to those students interested in developing the skills, knowledge and experience in the outdoor education field. Students will gain the necessary skills and experience to teach, lead, and/or serve people who wish to use the natural environment as well as enhance their appreciation of it. Students interested in pursuing an outdoor education minor are required to take the following courses. Grades below “C-” will not apply toward the fulfillment of minor requirements.