Program Overview
According to the US Department of Labor, "The rapidly growing number of
older adults is expected to spur job growth for recreational therapy professionals
and paraprofessionals in assisted-living facilities, adult daycare programs,
and other social assistance agencies. Continued growth also is expected in community
residential care facilities, as was daycare programs for individuals with disabilities." Given
the projected need for recreation specialists, the College of Health Sciences
at UW-Milwaukee has created a certificate program in Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
available to a broad range of individuals including students, TR and other human
service professionals in the community. In addition, individuals who are certified
with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) may
wish to complete certificate coursework to comply with continuing education requirements.
The certificate focuses on the development of knowledge
and acquisition of skills and abilities in the areas
of health and TR. In preparation for the nationally recognized
certification examination, coursework covers topic areas
included in the NCTRC Job Analysis categories. Courses
present the concepts of health, wellness, disease and
illness in relation to quality of life for individuals
with disabilities. Specific skill development in the
areas of assessment and facilitation techniques is also
taught and complemented with an ongoing focus on emerging
issues in the field of therapeutic recreation.
Five courses are required to successfully
complete a Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation. See course
listings below. A minimum cumulative grade point average
of 2.5 must be maintained on all the required coursework.
For additional information on NCTRC visit their website
at www.nctrc.org.
View frequently asked questions.
Certificate Coursework
TherRec 390 Topics in TR: Recreation as a Therapeutic Intervention: 3 credits
TherRec
300 Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and Documentation: 4 credits
TherRec 308 Therapeutic Recreation in Physical Rehabilitation and Behavioral
Health: 4 credits
*TherRec 310 Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation:
4 credits
*TherRec 400 Therapeutic Recreation Trends:
3 credits
Total: 18 credits
Notes:
-
Recommended sequence of coursework completion
is listed above.
-
Asterisked (*) courses are taught only
online. There will be an additional course fee for the
online courses.
-
Completion of this certificate program
allows the individual to meet one portion of the academic
coursework required
for the credential as a Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist with NCTRC. Additional requirements
are needed to fully qualify for the credential.
-
Students interested
in obtaining NCTRC certification
are encouraged to visit the NCTRC website at
www.nctrc.org.
Related Programs and Degrees
Students interested in pursuing a career in Therapeutic Recreation
may wish to examine one of the various degree programs at UWM.
Degree programs include:
Bachelor of Art
Bachelor of Science
- Biological Sciences
- Nursing
- Social Work
Application for Enrollment
For questions related to the Therapeutic Recreation Certificate and/or
the TR profession, please contact Patricia Thomas at 414-229-2507 or pthomas@uwm.edu.
For information on how to apply to the University of Wisconsin
- Milwaukee, please contact Katie Koncki at 414-229-3387 or katiek@uwm.edu.
