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Kean University

What You Learn

In New Jersey's only Recreational Therapy degree program, you will gain practical skills that will prepare you to work in a variety of settings.

Recreational Therapy students will learn how to:

  • Conduct leisure and functional assessments to determine their clients' strengths and areas in need of improvement
  • Plan, manage and administer recreation-based treatment interventions and programs
  • Participate in hands-on experiences through labs and multiple fieldwork experiences
  • Assist clients in developing the ability to adapt to their disability for overall health and wellness
  • Collaborate with other health professionals including therapists, behavioral health counselors and physicians as well as with psychologists, social workers and teachers

Kean University’s Recreational Therapy program prepares you to sit for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist exam administered by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification; a requirement for being licensed as a Recreational Therapist in the State of New Jersey.

The Recreational Therapy program is offered at both the Kean Union and Kean Ocean campuses.

Faculty

Frances Stavola-Daly, Ed.D., Professor
Pamela Griffin, Lecturer

B.A. in Recreational Therapy

Study therapeutic and recreational theory and practice to enable individuals to improve function and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Recreational Therapy Curriculum

Minor in Recreational Therapy

Kean Ocean

Recreational Therapy Pre-Professional Program

The Recreational Therapy Pre-professional Program is for those students who have an undergraduate degree in another field but want to pursue certification as a Recreational Therapist through the National Council for Therapeutic Certification (NCTRC). The Program offers the student the ability to fulfill the academic requirements for certification including 18 credits of core requirements. Students must apply to the program, must have a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and must submit transcripts from all institutions attended. For more information contact Professor Griffin at pgriffin@kean.edu. Please note that this program meets only the core recreational therapy requirements for NCTRC Certification. For information on all the certification requirements go to www.nctrc.org.

My field experience allowed me to apply the knowledge I learned in the classroom to the workplace, which gave me an advantage when applying for jobs. I'm currently working at the same place where I completed my senior internship."

Veronica Spinden
Allied Clinical Therapist
Recreation Administration - Therapeutic Recreation - Veronica Spinden '18 - Allied Clinical Therapist

Cougars Climb Higher

At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to live on campus, study abroad and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.

Special Olympics Unified Sports

Play on the same sports teams and create opportunities for friendship, development and communication with people with disabilities.

Recreation administration majors participate in Special Olympics Unified Sports
Special Olympics Unified Sports

Field Experiences

Practicum and internship opportunities provide real-life experience working with populations of interest.

Kean University Cougar playing basketball with students
Field Experiences

EMS Education Training Center

Become certified in CPR, basic life support or first aid in as little as one day at Kean’s accredited Emergency Medical Services Training Center.

EMS Training Center - Basic Life Support 1
EMS Education Training Center

Careers

Recreation therapists have meaningful careers in a variety of settings, helping people maximize independence and engagement in life and leisure as:

  • Recreation or activity therapists
  • Therapeutic recreation directors
  • Mental health specialists
  • Youth development counselors
  • Inclusion specialists
  • Life enrichment coordinators

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NCAA Division III Varsity Sports

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Average class size at Kean

Kean University Academics

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