Recreation Therapy

Get started in one of the fastest growing health-related professions. Moraine Valley's Recreation Therapy program prepares you for a career in therapeutic-based treatment programming for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Recreation therapists (RT) use a variety of modalities including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, aquatics and community outings to help maintain or improve a person's physical, social, cognitive, spiritual and emotional well-being.

Recreation Therapists evaluate physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs, strengths, and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. This information is the basis for developing individualized treatment plans and interventions to support the individual’s goals toward wellness. Learn to assess individuals’ needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

What Can I Do With An A.A.S. Degree In Recreation Therapy?

Recreation Therapists plan and implement a variety of therapeutic interventions to include but not limited to:

Expressive arts
Aquatic Therapy
Horticulture Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy
Adapted sports
Stress Management
Fitness
Community out Trips
Special Events
Crafts
Dance
Music
Equine Therapy (Therapeutic Horseback Riding)

Careers can be in a variety of diverse settings including:

Centers for Autism and Related Disorders
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Facilities
Treatment Centers for Substance Abuse
Pediatric Hospitals
Skilled Care and Assisted Living Nursing Facilities
Long-Term Care – Memory Support
Mental Health Hospitals
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Veterans Administration Hospital
Schools Systems
Adult Day Care Settings
Special Recreation Associations
Centers for Developmental Disabilities
Community Recreation/Camps for Individuals with Disabilities
Special Olympics

Job Outlook

Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom generation ages, they will need recreational therapists to help treat age-related injuries and illnesses and to help them maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Helping veterans manage service-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or injuries such as the loss of a limb. Recreation Therapists can lead therapeutic interventions that help to reintegrate veterans into their communities and help them to adjust to any physical, social, or cognitive limitations.

As the US population ages, more people will need recreation therapists to help treat age-related injuries and illnesses. Older people are more likely to suffer from stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and mobility-related injuries that may benefit from recreation therapy.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics

Admission and Requirements

If interested in gaining more information about this program please submit your application to Moraine Valley and then contact Coordinator Stacy Sheerin using the form on this page.

Required Career courses for the program are only offered once a year so it is critical to seek advising from the program coordinator to guide you in selecting the right courses to complete your Associate of Applied Science Degree. Any and all questions about these exciting and growing careers please do not hesitate to contact Stacy Sheerin.