Recreational Therapy Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Enroll in RTH 295 (Intro to Therapeutic Rec) to learn the history, foundations, and philosophy of the field.
• Familiarize yourself with the General Education Core, specifically prioritizing BMD 251 (Human Anatomy & Physiology I) as a prerequisite for candidacy.
• Understand the Candidacy Requirements, which include a minimum 2.20 USA GPA and completion of 60 credit hours before moving into advanced professional courses.
• Awareness of the department's mission to produce ethical and socially responsible practitioners focused on the Gulf Coast region.
  

Middle Years

• Complete RTH 298 (Practicum in Ther Rec), which requires a minimum of 90 hours of supervised practical experience and observation.
• Monitor your Major GPA to ensure it stays at or above 2.20 for admission to the professional component.
• Identify required "W" (Writing) courses such as RTH 395 (Therapeutic Rec Process), which covers assessment and documentation.
• Apply for Admission to Candidacy immediately following the completion of 60 semester hours of credit.

Last Year

• Awareness of the Senior Residency Requirement, which requires 25 percent of the degree (typically 30 hours) to be completed at USA in upper-division courses.
• Review the requirements for RTH 495 (Internship in Rec Therapy), a 12-credit hour, 14–16 week full-time commitment.
• Prepare for the NCTRC national certification exam eligibility upon graduation.
• Ensure all core intervention courses like RTH 465 and RTH 466 are completed prior to the internship.

Exploration

First Year

• Explore the RTH 292 (Outdoor Recreation-Adventure) course to learn safety and leadership in activities like canoeing and backpacking.
• Utilize Involve South to find student organizations in the College of Education and Professional Studies to meet peers in the major.
• Research the various populations served by recreational therapists, including veterans, children, and those in substance abuse recovery.

Middle Years

• Participate in RTH 397 (Recreational Therapy Interventions with Older Adults), an intergenerational experience combining theory and practice.
• Engage in activity analysis and leisure education explorations through elective courses like RTH 194 (Leisure Crafts).
• Connect with faculty advisors who are student-oriented and active in professional trends to discuss specialized career interests.
  

Last Year

• Complete the 40-hour fieldwork components embedded in advanced courses like RTH 467 (TR for Phys Disabilities).
• Network with professionals at clinical sites such as rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and mental health programs.
• Explore graduate school pathways in related health professions like Occupational Therapy (OT) or Physical Therapy (PT), for which this degree serves as a strong foundation.
  

Preparation

First Year

• Establish a professional profile on Handshake to track volunteer opportunities at local non-profits serving people with disabilities.
• Focus on obtaining First Aid (HS 170) and Public Speaking (CA 110) certifications/credits, as these are foundational for therapist roles.
• Begin a skills portfolio documenting experience with adaptive sports or leisure crafts learned in early coursework.

Middle Years

• Master the Therapeutic Recreation Process (APIE) through hands-on practice in RTH 395.
• Develop management and fiscal planning skills in RTH 375, preparing for future director or supervisory roles.
• Utilize USA resources to practice interdisciplinary procedures and medical record documentation.
  

Last Year

• Synthesize your education in SM 483 (Issues in HKS), examining current trends and professional standards in the field.
• Successfully complete the 12-hour internship (RTH 495) to gain full-time professional experience under a qualified CTRS.
• Refine your technical writing and research skills in RTH 471 to prepare for evidence-based practice.