The Graduate Certificate in Recreational Therapy provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in community and rehabilitative healthcare settings. The curriculum grounds students in the therapeutic use of recreational activities to improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning in patients and clients of all ages.

Coursework covers foundational concepts such as theories of recreation, leisure, play, and recreational therapy programming. Evidence-informed practice, assessment procedures, treatment plan development, documentation, and recreational therapy interventions for specific populations are explored. Class formats utilize lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on simulated practice to build clinical skills. Students gain an understanding of the psychological, physiological, and social benefits of recreational therapy across the lifespan.

The graduate certificate curriculum meets the "Therapeutic Recreation Content Courses" requirements to be eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC, 2023). With this credential, recreational therapists can work in clinical and community settings such as hospitals, rehab centers, mental health clinics, adaptive sports programs, schools, senior centers, and more. They join an interprofessional team providing recreational therapy services aimed at improving health, rehabilitation, recovery, function, leisure participation, and quality of life.

Through a blend of academic coursework and practical application, a Graduate Certificate in Recreational Therapy supplies the specialized knowledge to begin a career optimizing well-being and independence through recreational activities tailored to clients' needs and interests. Graduates are prepared to fill the growing need for certified recreational therapists.