Therapeutic Recreation*

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Program Design

The Therapeutic Recreation certificate program is designed for persons who seek academic and in-service professional development in the field of therapeutic recreation. This program enables the student to meet standards established in the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut to work in chronic and convalescent nursing homes and other facilities with nursing supervision.

Therapeutic recreation is a specialized allied health field within the recreation profession. Associated with leisure aspects of medical treatment, therapeutic recreation attempts to physically and socially rehabilitate patients who have chronic physical, psychological and social disabilities. It involves recreation services that give the patient an opportunity to participate in recreational, leisure and group activities specifically designed to aid in the recovery or adjustment to illness, disability or a specific social problem.

Curriculum

Students may enroll in this certificate program full- or part-time and attend classes days or evenings.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Therapeutic Recreation certificate program requirements, graduates will

Meet the state health code requirements to hold the position of a therapeutic recreation director in the State of Connecticut.
Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and apply the necessary skills required of a therapeutic recreation director.
Demonstrate the ability to comprehend the needs of individuals with special needs and the positive outcomes of therapeutic recreation intervention.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with special needs both in a clinical and community setting.
Have developed leadership, interpersonal and communication skills necessary to work in a health care or community-based setting.

Required Courses

GERN 161: Aging America: Issues and Dilemmas 3 Credits or
PSY* 125: Psychology of Aging and Mental Health 3 Credits or
SOC* 116: Impact of Aging on the Family 3 Credits
HLT* 151: Health and Wellness Promotion 3 Credits
ENG* 101: Composition 3 Credits
PSY* 111: General Psychology I 3 Credits
SSC* 294: Cooperative Education/Work Experience 3 Credits
RLS* 101: Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services 3 Credits
RLS* 121: Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation Services 3 Credits
RLS* 122: Processes and Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation 3 Credits
RLS* 221: Therapeutic Recreation Programming 3 Credits
RLS* 223: Leisure and Aging 3 Credits

Total Credits Required: 30

Notes:

*Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. As a part of this merger, modifications will be made to academic programs. Students who do not complete their programs by the end of the Spring 2023 term will be matched with the Connecticut State Community College (CT State) program that most closely aligns with the student’s Spring 2023 program and is offered at the current Manchester Community College location. The College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption. Further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page: www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.