Therapeutic Recreation
Support, Encourage & Improve the Lives of Others Through Recreation
Designed for people who are empathetic and caring by nature, the Therapeutic Recreation degree affords you the unique ability to have a direct, positive impact on others through life-changing recreational experiences. You’ll nurture them to grow, thrive, and find confidence in themselves regardless of their limitations or special need
Catawba College is among the few colleges in the South to offer a degree in Therapeutic Recreation; a balanced curriculum that includes courses in psychology, anatomy, leadership, and medical terminology. We put even further emphasis on experiential learning in this holistic degree program through a required 80-hour practicum plus a full-time internship in Therapeutic Recreation throughout your college career.
Catawba College Therapeutic Recreation majors benefit from working with individuals from all types of unique needs populations: military veterans, geriatric citizens, traumatic brain injury patients, and many more. Catawba College’s strong community partnerships include:
- Schools, camps, and hospitals
- Correctional institutions
- Equine therapy facilities
- Nursing, senior, and assisted living facilities
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Schools for the deaf
Program Highlights
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Degree Practicum
Gain practical experience and observation in a variety of careers: Occupational Therapy, Equine Therapy, Physical Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Pet Therapy, Social Work, and Activity Directing.
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Master Program Readiness
Catawba’s Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation meets most of the admissions requirements for the Occupational Therapy master’s degree program. Other master’s programs include Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, Speech and Language Pathology, and Health Administration.
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Ranked #4
Catawba College is ranked fourth among Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News. Our reputation of being a quality, accessible private college precedes us.
Ashley Garner '19 Therapeutic Recreation GraduateI always knew I wanted to help people, but I would have never guessed I would have ended up falling in love working with seniors. Now, I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
Program Details
Full-Time Internship
Full-Time Internship
Build experience on your resume and get hands-on experience through a full-time Therapeutic Recreation internship, whether it’s here in Salisbury, in your hometown, or at another unique location anywhere in the country.
Recreational Therapist Preparedness
Recreational Therapist Preparedness
Graduates of the Therapeutic Recreation degree program meet the requirements to sit for the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam. Recreation Therapists use a variety of interventions to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of their clients, helping them develop skills, knowledge, and behaviors for daily living and community involvement.
Net Price Calculator
Net Price Calculator
Estimate your share of college costs and how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive
Our calculator is designed to give you an early indication of what type of financial aid you may qualify for if you were attending Catawba College as a first-year, transfer, online, or graduate student.
Outcomes
Outcomes
Careers - Therapeutic Recreation majors from Catawba College are improving lives in these positions:
- Recreation Therapist, Senior TLC: A Community Pace Program
- Recreation Therapist, VA Hospital
- Activity Director, Heath House
- Manager of Behavioral Health, Davis Regional Medical Center
Graduate Schools - Grad schools enrolling Catawba Therapeutic Recreation majors include:
- Winston-Salem State University
- UNC-Greensboro
- Wake Forest University
A total of 115 students have been named to the Presidential Honor Roll List for the 2021-2022 academic year at Catawba College, according to Dr. Constance Rogers-Lowery, Provost of the College.
A total of 305 students have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2022 semester at Catawba College, according to Dr. Constance Rogers-Lowery, Provost of the College.
Catawba College has named several individuals to dean positions at the College effective January 2022. The positions are new at the College, helping round out the academic structure for all programs. “I am excited to announce the appointment of four new dean positions,” said Catawba College Provost ...
