威斯康星拉克羅斯大學(xué)

The Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation Program prepares students for certification as Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. Students learn to develop and implement treatment, leisure education, and recreation programs for individuals with special needs.

The Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation is a comprehensive program of study designed to prepare graduates for careers in the multifaceted field of therapeutic recreation. Our dual track curriculum serves two kinds of the students, the certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) seeking advanced training in therapeutic recreation as well as the student who wants to enter the therapeutic recreation profession by completing his or her masters degree. All students completing a masters at UWL meet all criteria for sitting for the national therapeutic recreation examination.

Graduates are prepared to:

• Assess the need for therapeutic recreation intervention
• Plan and evaluation individual and group treatment, leisure education and recreation participation programs
• Supervise interdisciplinary teams and human service providers
• Organize and manage services
• Direct outreach, advocacy, and public relations activities
• Assist individuals in the development of life-long leisure independence
• Address therapeutic recreation professionalization issues
• Take the national examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• Use advanced knowledge as a clinical administrator or consultant

Graduates are employed in:

• Hospitals and physical rehabilitation facilities
• County, state, and national mental health treatment centers
• Residential settings
• Long-term care or nursing home facilities
• Community-based centers and human service agencies
• Recreation agencies, including national associations for disabled sport competitors (i.e., Special Olympics)
• Human service areas needing therapeutic recreation consultants

Students without a previous background in therapeutic recreation, as well as those who are certification eligible as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, will be admitted into the program after fulfilling university graduate school admission requirements. Students without backgrounds in therapeutic recreation will only be admitted in the Fall semester. Deficiencies will be determined based on the student's educational background and work experience.