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Health & Safety

Kean University is dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Learn more about the University’s health and safety protocols designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Recreational Therapy

Recreation therapists help people live their best lives.

The Recreational Therapy program prepares students to work with individuals with disabilities, illnesses, injuries and other limitations so that they can participate in life activities to their greatest potential. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess clients and develop and implement purposeful intervention plans.

Recreational therapists utilize a wide variety of activity and community based interventions to address the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure needs of their clients, helping them to optimize their health and wellness leading to an improved quality of life.

Recreational therapists may work with a wide range of individuals requiring health services including adults and children with physical disabilities, behavioral health disorders, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the geriatric population.

Kean Recreational Therapy graduates are employed by in-patient hospitals, physical rehabilitation facilities, behavioral health facilities, substance abuse centers, long-term and residential care facilities, adult day programs, community-based programs, schools and camps, and in private practice.

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Therapeutic Recreation major Nico Mercadante trained to be a recreational therapist at Kean.

Senior therapeutic recreation major Nico Mercadante plays on Kean's men's volleyball team.

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 participate in hands on experiences through labs and multiple fieldwork experiences to enhance their skills leading to employment as a recreational therapist.

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 for people with disabilities, injuries, illnesses or limitations
  • Assist clients in developing the ability to adapt to their disability supporting inclusion, independence and maximum engagement in leisure and community activities for overall health and wellness
  • Collaborate with other health professionals including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, behavioral health counselors, psychologists, social workers, teachers, physicians and others

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

Program Information

B.A. in Recreational Therapy

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

Curriculum Sheets and 4-Year Plans

Minor in Recreational Therapy

Also available

Other programs you might be interested in

The Classroom and Beyond

At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations, study abroad at our campus in China or elsewhere and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.

Recreation administration majors participate in Special Olympics Unified Sports

Special Olympics Unified Sports

Play on the same sports teams and create opportunities for friendship, development and communication with people with disabilities.
Kean University Cougar playing basketball with students

Field Experiences

Practicum and internship opportunities provide real-life experience working with populations of interest.
EMS Training Center - Basic Life Support 1

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.
Outside of Residence Hall Building

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

After Kean

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

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Accreditation

Since 1955, Kean’s College of Education has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Notably, only one-third of the schools that produce teachers in the United States and New Jersey earn this accreditation.

CAEP advances equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

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