Study Therapeutic Recreation
Utica College New York
Therapeutic recreation (TR) is the use
of recreation, leisure, and play to improve or maintain physical,
cognitive, social, and emotional functioning to assist individuals in
experiencing independent lifestyles and satisfying leisure experiences.
Comprehensive TR involves a continuum of service that includes
treatment, leisure education, and independent recreation participation.
Treatment uses recreational activities to habilitate or rehabilitate
functional abilities.
Leisure education uses appropriate recreational and educational
activities to acquire leisure participation skills, knowledge, and
attitudes that facilitate independent, satisfying leisure experiences.
Independent recreation participation uses activities to promote health,
growth, development, and independence through self-rewarding leisure
pursuits.
Special Opportunities
Developed in 1981, the
therapeutic recreation major at Utica College is one of a very few
programs in the nation that is strictly designed to educate and graduate
recreation therapists with a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic
recreation. The program also is unique in that it is housed in the
Division of Health and Human Studies, which reflects the
clinical-medical aspects of the major as well as the philosophical
recreation foundation.
In addition to having extensive course work in theory, students are
provided a number of hands-on experiences while they are at UC. As part
of their course requirements, students volunteer in area agencies,
conduct projects, and are involved in organizing numerous functions for
various populations.
Students in this major play a significant role in the regional Special
Olympics and have volunteered endless hours in the Physically Challenged
games and working with nursing home residents.
Therapeutic recreation students are required to complete two internships
of 400 hours for a total of 800 hours. These internship experiences must
be selected in two distinctly different areas of health care. Students
are encouraged to seek internship experiences throughout the United
States. In past years, students have been placed in facilities in
Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, and throughout the Northeast. Internship
placements must meet certain standards regarding staff, competencies,
and qualifications.
Faculty
All members of the
therapeutic recreation faculty have experience in both teaching and the
professional world. Students enrolled in the program enjoy small classes
and close interaction with a faculty that cares about them personally
and professionally.
Faculty interests cover a wide range of areas and include recreation for
the disabled; health and fitness as preventative medicine; leisure
education and elderly retirement programs; hydrobics; age spectrums and
diversification in long-term settings; environmental factors and aging;
and the physiological, psychological, and sociological benefits of
exercise. The director of the therapeutic recreation program, Professor
Joan Kay, is director of the master s division of the Empire State
Games.
Career Opportunities
Utica College s therapeutic
recreation graduates enjoy a 100 percent employment rate. All students
graduating from UC meet all established standards created by the
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation for certification and are
eligible to sit for the national exam.
Therapeutic recreators are involved in organizing, administering, and
presenting therapeutic recreation activities that contribute to the
recovery from or adjustment to an illness, disability, or social
problem. They work with institutionalized persons as well as ill, aged,
or disabled persons in the community.
UC Graduates
Connie Bonner Cox '87 earned
a master s degree and is a recreation therapist at Upstate Home for
Children in Oneonta, NY.
Virginia Zuchowski '98 is a recreation therapist at St. Luke s Allen
Calder Wing and a consultant for the St. Luke s Adult Day Care Facility
in Utica.
Bill Girvin '93 is a recreation therapist at The House of the Good
Shepherd in New Harford, NY, and has been a clinical supervisor for
Utica College student interns.
Jay Snow '96 is the director of activities at the Loretto Utica Center
in Utica, where he has been supervising student interns.
"UC increased my knowledge and sharpened my skills for future success in
life. The professors provided guidance and support, allowing for
creativity." --Tamara Sfeir '91, Senior Recreation Therapist, United Cerebral Palsy
and Handicapped Persons Association of the Utica Area, Inc; Director,
Camp Ronald McDonald, Sauquoit, NY
"The foresight of (Professor) Joan Kay always looking ahead with the
anticipation of students gaining certification has made the difference
in where I am today. The education has been continuous and did not stop
on graduation day." --Joan Talerico '92, Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist, Albany
Medical Center, Albany, NY
"Fortunately the Therapeutic Recreation Program at UC provided me
opportunities to work with different populations, and I was able to make
the transition to a new position easily. I am grateful for the hands- on
experiences as an undergraduate." --Kathi Dunn '86, Recreation Therapist, Brookridge Retirement Home,
Winston Salem, NC CONTACT
Joan Kay,
M.A., CTRS
Associate Professor & Director of Therapeutic Recr & Gerontology
jkay@utica.edu Phone: (315) 792-3251
Utica College
1600 Burrstone Road Utica, NY 13502
White
Hall Room: 221A
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CONTACT
Joan Kay,
M.A., CTRS
Associate Professor & Director of Therapeutic Recr & Gerontology
jkay@utica.edu Phone: (315) 792-3251
Utica College
1600 Burrstone Road Utica, NY 13502
White
Hall Room: 221A
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