Therapeutic Recreation

www.laguardia.edu/therapeutic-recreation/

The Therapeutic Recreation Program, coordinated by the Health Sciences Department, offers a course of study that leads to an Associate of Science (AS) degree. The Therapeutic Recreation program will also allow students to continue their studies in the program at Lehman College where they will complete a Bachelor in Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Education.

Therapeutic Recreation, also known as Recreation Therapy, is an occupation that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions (techniques/programs) to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and wellbeing.

LaGuardia’s Therapeutic Recreation Program curricula is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies required to function efficiently as Recreation Therapists, Recreation Leaders/Assistants in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. The TR program is a non-candidacy program that may attract students who wish to pursue a career in the Allied Health field without the candidacy requirements of other Health Sciences programs. Students must have a minimum GPA of a 2.5 and have earned a grade of at least a C (75) in all required program courses AND all College-Level Course Pre-requisites at LaGuardia Community College in order to be considered for transfer.

Therapeutic Recreation (TR) is one of the fastest growing health-related professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in recreation therapy positions is projected to grow faster than the average, with a more focused increase in the care needs of the aging population.

An increase in opportunities is also expected with school-aged children with disabilities.

* After graduation, students would be able to obtain employment in titles such as Recreation Assistants or Recreation Leaders

The TR program includes successful completion of a 60 hour supervised clinical internship that prepares students for careers working with individuals with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, wilderness programs, community centers, schools, assisted living facilities and senior centers.