Best Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy colleges in the U.S. 2025
Recreational therapists predominantly work in state, local, and private hospitals, schools, and nursing care facilities. They are compassionate and patient people who work with individuals who have varying illnesses and diseases. Recreational therapists record and analyze a patient's progress, assess a patient's needs through observation and medical records, and work with other health care professionals to establish treatment plans. They reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote restoration and rehabilitation through the usage of arts and crafts, games, sports, and dance and movement.
Optional, though highly recommended by several employers, is the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification's offering, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential to candidates who pass a written exam and complete a supervised internship. There are also specialty certifications NCTRC offers in geriatrics, community inclusion services, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. An individual who has a degree and certification?especially in a specialization?tends to have better job prospects. Some states also require licensure, so check with the state in which you intend to practice.
Typically, students earn their bachelor's degrees in therapeutic recreation to get into the field, but associate or graduate degrees are also available. Human behavior, health, psychology, anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic modalities are common courses students will take to prepare them for a career as a recreational therapist.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the USBest Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy colleges in the U.S. for 2025
Nova Southeastern University offers 2 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.
University of St Francis offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large city.
Kean University offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 43 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy students graduated with students earning 43 Bachelor's degrees.
University of Iowa offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city.
University of Utah offers 2 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 28 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy students graduated with students earning 25 Bachelor's degrees, and 3 Master's degrees.
Regis College offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 6 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy students graduated with students earning 6 Bachelor's degrees.
Brigham Young University offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy students graduated with students earning 1 Bachelor's degree.
University of North Carolina Wilmington offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 49 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy students graduated with students earning 49 Bachelor's degrees.
Calvin University offers 1 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 9 Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy students graduated with students earning 9 Bachelor's degrees.
Find local colleges with Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy majors in the U.S.
List of all Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy colleges in the U.S.
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL | 63 : 1 | 20,948 | |
|
University of St Francis Joliet, IL | 39 : 1 | 3,297 | |
|
CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NY | 37 : 1 | 8,733 | |
|
Kean University Union, NJ | 35 : 1 | 12,884 | |
|
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA | 23 : 1 | 30,015 | |