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Recreation Therapy—FAQs
 Will
I need to complete a criminal background check for this program?
Yes, in
order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation
agreements, students may be asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the
Career Programs Subdivision Office, B150, and fees paid to the Cashier's
Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, please
contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Deadline
dates for completion of criminal background checks will be announced by Program
Coordinators.
Can I get a job with an Associate
in Applied Science degree in
recreation therapy?
Students can get a job with an Associate in Applied Science degree in recreation
therapy. Examples of different types of jobs are listed below:
| Type
of Position |
|
Employment
Setting
|
|
Activity Director |
|
Rehabilitation
Center |
|
Program Service Coordinator |
|
Alzheimer's Assisted Living |
|
Activity Coordinator |
|
Adult Day Care Center |
|
Residential Counselor |
|
Community Integrated Living
Arrangement |
|
Activity Therapist |
|
Residential Home |
|
Program Leader |
|
Special Recreation Association |
However, we do not encourage students to stop after their
two- year degree. The pursuit of college courses does demonstrate a professional
commitment to the field.
For job and internship listings and job search
assistance, contact the Job Resource Center in Building S, Room S202 at (708) 974-5737 or visit
http://www.morainevalley.edu/jrc.
What type of job can I get with a
four-year degree?
Some jobs in the field of Recreation Therapy require you to be Certified as a
Recreation Therapist C.T.R.S. This certification is available only
upon completion of your four-year degree. The National Council on Therapeutic
Recreation Certification is the certifying body. More information on NCTRC can
be found on the related links page. Examples of different positions and types of agencies hiring individuals with
four-year degrees are listed below:
| Type
of Position |
|
Employment
Setting
|
|
Recreation Therapist
Activity Coordinator
Special Recreation Supervisor
Adapted Physical Education
Child Life Specialist |
|
Physical Rehabilitation
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Special Recreation Association
School
Pediatric Hospital |
May I transfer Recreation Therapy courses from Moraine Valley Community
College to a four-year school?
Most of the Recreation Therapy courses transfer to other colleges and
universities. The following schools in Illinois offer a four-year degree in
Recreation Therapy:
| Commuter Options |
|
Residential |
|
Chicago State University
University of St. Francis |
|
Western Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Illinois State University
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The requirements for each of the
above schools is slightly different. To assist you in the transfer process it is
best that you set up an appointment with the Coordinator of Recreation Therapy,
Donna J. McCauley, at (708) 974-5227 or mccauley@morainevalley.edu
during your first
semester of courses.
What courses in Recreation Therapy should I take my first
semester?
It is highly recommended for students to take REC-101 Recreation and Wellness
Professions with some of the required general education courses during their first
semester. During this first semester, it's best to set up an appointment
with the coordinator of Recreation Therapy, Donna J. McCauley, to assist you in
scheduling courses to pursue your two-year Associate in Applied Science degree.
Can I transfer course credit into the program?
Recreation Therapy coursework and General Education Courses from other community
colleges or four-year degree schools may be transferred into the program. The
coordinator of Recreation Therapy, Donna J. McCauley, can help facilitate this
process.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Information regarding grants and scholarships is available from
Financial Aid (708) 974-5343.
Does the program include an internship experience?
A required part of the Moraine Valley Community College Recreation
Therapy Program is the Practicum/Seminar component, which allows you to gain a
valuable experience through a firsthand view of the field. You will work 200
clock hours during the semester at approved sites, as well as meeting with the
internship coordinator to discuss your experiences in the field. To qualify for
an practicum, you must complete the required career courses. Effective fall
2006, internship experiences will be limited to the spring semester. Students
who plan to complete an internship in spring semester must notify the Program
Coordinator in writing on or before October 1. Also,Upon completion of
your courses, you will set up a meeting with the internship coordinator. By
participating in the Practicum/Seminar, you will make strong professional
contacts and form concrete career goals. For more information on THR-233/237 please contact:
Donna J. McCauley, Internship Coordinator
Recreation Therapy Program
Moraine Valley Community College
(708) 974-5227
mccauley@morainevalley.edu
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