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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


International Universities, Colleges and Schools



International Universities, Colleges and Schools

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