Bachelor of Science in Recreation
(Emphasis Therapeutic Recreation)

Individuals receiving a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation can become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).

They provide treatment services and recreational activities to individuals with illnesses or disabling conditions. CTRSs help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. They help individuals recover their basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence, and socialize more effectively to allow them to be more independent, as well as to reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability.

Community-based CTRSs work in park and recreation departments, special education programs for school districts, or programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists provide a myrid of services in community settings, including adapted sports and activities, inclusion facilitation, leisure and social skills instruction, and opportunities to connect with the community through participation in recreation.

Admission Requirements:

Any student satisfying admission requirements through the university Office of Admissions is eligible for admission to the School of Human Performance and Recreation.

Additional Requirements: HPR majors must earn "C"s or better in all HPR and THY prefixed courses. Students pursuing teaching certification must complete additional core requirements as stipulated by the College of Education and Psychology. Additional program admission requirements exist for the Athletic Training and Kinesiotherapy programs. Students are encouraged to contact advisors for specific details.

Typical Job Titles

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Therapeutic Rrecreation Specialist

Inclusion Facilitator

Recreation Activities Coordinator

Typical Job Responsibilities

Assess clients based on information from standardized assessments, observations, medical records, medical staff, family and the clients themselves

Develop and implement interventions consistent with client/patient needs and interests

May instruct clients/patients in relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension in correct stretching and limbering exercises

Proper body mechanics for participation in recreational activities

Pacing and energy conservation techniques

Individual and team activities

In community based settings, help clients develop leisure activities and healthy leisure lifestyles that provide opportunities for exercise, cognitive stimulation, creativity, socialization, and overall improved quality of life

Market Outlook

Employment of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 because of anticipated expansion in long-term care, physical and psychiatric rehabilitation, and services for people with disabilities. Job prospects are expected to be favorable for those with a strong health care background. The job placement rate for Southern Miss alumni in Therapeutic Recreation within the first month of graduation is usually near 100 percent.

Internship

An internship of 480 hours under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist is required for graduation and certification.

Licensure/Certification Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire candidates who are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) certifies therapeutic recreation specialists.

To become certified students must:

must have a bachelor's or higher degree in therapeutic recreation for the academic path to certification

successfully complete specific required course work, including Abnormal Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Development Psychology

have a minimum of nine hours in therapeutic recreation

pass a written certification examination

complete an internship of at least 480 hours under the supervision of a certified therapeutic reaction specialist

For more information on the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, please click on the following URL.

http://www.nctrc.org/aboutnctrc.htm

Salary Ranges

According to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, the average salary of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist in 2004 was $38, 956. Salaries ranged from just under $20,000 to just over $81,000. Salaries vary according to areas of specialization, such as gerontology, mental retardation, and psychological/mental health.

Placement of Graduates

Southern Miss graduates in therapeutic recreation are currently employed with Conva-Rest of Hattiesburg, Gulfport Parks and Recreation, State Hospital at Whitfield, Institute for Disability Studies, Horses in Harmony (owner/operator of therapeutic riding program), U. S. Naval Home, New Hope Center, Cross Gate Manor Nursing Home, South Central Regional Medical Center, St. Dominic's Hospital, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Pine Grove Recovery Center.

University Core (41 hrs.)

Written and Oral Communication

ENG 101

ENG 102

HPR 453

Global History and Culture

ENG 203

SOC 101

One sequence HIS 101 or 102, HIS 101 or HIS 102 & PHI 151 or REL 100

Aesthetic Values

ART 130 or DAN 130 or MUS 365 or THE 100

Basic Science and Math

MAT 101

BSC 250/L

BSC 251/L

Decision Making and Responsibility

COH 100, PSY 110

Program Core (89-90 hrs.) Student must obtain a "C" or better in each course.

CSC 100 Intro to Computing

ENG 103 Technical Writing

HPR 200 Leisure and Recreation in Society

HPR 201 Leisure Skills Development

HPR 210 Practicum (Repeat three times)

HPR 218 or MTC 201 Athletic Training and Therapeutic Terminology: Medical Terminology

HPR 301/L or 308/L Kinesiology; Exercise Physiology

HPR 309 First Aid

HPR 322 Recreation Program Planning

HPR 323 Recreation Leadership

HPR 336 Assessment and Evaluation in Parks and Recreation

HPR 350 Intro to Therapeutic Recreation

HPR 351 Community Recreation Services for Persons with Disabilities

HPR 400 Seminar in Recreation

HPR 411 Adapted Activities and Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation

HPR 413 Organization and Administration in Recreation

HPR 415 Business Procedures in Parks and Recreation

HPR 417 Legal Aspects of Recreation and Leisure Services

HPR 450 Procedures in Therapeutic Recreation

HPR 451 Therapeutic Recreation

HPR 453 Professional Issues in Therapeutic Recreation

For course descriptions, please click on Course Descriptions.