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Therapeutic Recreation

Recreation therapists help people live their best lives.

Studying therapeutic recreation will prepare you to assist people with disabilities, illnesses, injuries and other limitations to participate in activities that maximize their potential. 

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess clients and develop purposeful interventions to help people optimize their physical, cognitive, social and emotional health and wellness. 

At Kean, you will learn how to use sports, dance, aquatics, arts and crafts and a host of other programming to promote inclusivity and support the health and well being of your entire community.  

 

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Therapeutic Recreation - Nico Mercadante - Men's Volleyball - Senior 2018

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

What You Learn

In New Jersey's only therapeutic recreation degree program, you will gain practical skills that will prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community-based programs and schools.

  • Plan, manage and administer recreation-based treatment interventions for diverse populations
  • Collaborate on treatment teams with speech and occupational therapists
  • Build a professional network in rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities and other venues that require your services after graduation
  • Work directly with young people with disabilities through collaborations with Special Olympics and other organizations

Kean's therapeutic recreation program prepares you to sit for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist exam.

Program Information

B.A. in Therapeutic Recreation

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

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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.
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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

caep logo2 for accreditation

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.

Kean University Academics

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