Therapeutic Recreation, A.S.

Program Design

The Therapeutic Recreation associate degree program is designed to address the need for a degree beyond the Therapeutic Recreation certificate for students pursuing careers as a therapeutic recreation director or supervisor in long-term care facilities. The associate degree in therapeutic recreation will also prepare students to work in a variety of therapeutic recreation settings such as rehabilitation facilities, penal institutions, group homes, and facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Students can expect to obtain employment upon completion of this degree program or transfer to a baccalaureate institution in therapeutic recreation. 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. Due to standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), students are advised that the healthcare facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations may require that they submit to a criminal background check before beginning their clinical experiences. Manchester Community College cannot be responsible for finding an alternate clinical placement for a student who fails to pass the background check. The program coordinator may assist students in finding a placement for their practicum, but it will be up to the student to do well during the interview and secure a placement.  A student who is unable to complete the required clinical experience will be unable to complete the requirements for the associate degree in Therapeutic Recreation but may be able to apply some or all of the credits completed to an associate degree in General Studies. Students are advised to meet with an MCC counselor to discuss degree completion requirements.

Curriculum

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