Your career at play.
Gain the skills you need to help others live their best lives.
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鈥檚 goals toward wellness. Learn to assess individuals鈥� needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
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Turn passion for healing into a career 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 鈥� 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
The A.A.S. degree in Recreation Therapy Program at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in two years.
This program prepares students for a professional career in recreation therapy. Recreation therapy professionals help people in community and clinical settings. Recreation therapists plan and implement therapeutic-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries or illnesses. These therapists 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. Graduates are eligible for employment in physical rehabilitation centers, medical rehabilitation centers, hospitals, long-term care, skilled care, adult day care, alcohol and drug treatment centers, special recreation associations and mental health agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average of 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. Hospitals will provide a large number of recreation therapy jobs, with additional jobs provided by long-term rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals. Continued growth is expected in community residential facilities, park districts and day care programs for people with disabilities.
To be admitted to this program, please submit your general admission application and then contact Stacy Sheerin at sheerins@morainevalley.edu, or complete the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Required career courses for the program only are 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.
Illinois Recreation Therapy Association
Potential careers in Recreation Therapy
Recreation therapists 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.
Real stories of Rec Therapy success.
Begin your bachelor鈥檚 degree at Moraine Valley by taking the same general education and elective courses you鈥檇 complete in your first two years at a four-year school鈥攁t a lower cost. A.A. and A.S. degrees help you transfer smoothly, often with junior standing. Students follow the transfer guidelines of their intended university, supported by advisors who build a personalized academic plan.
Stacy Sheerin
Program Coordinator
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Faculty with real-world experience.
Your instructors don鈥檛 just teach the material, they鈥檝e worked in the field. With experience in counseling, treatment programs and community outreach, they bring real examples and practical knowledge into every class. You鈥檒l learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first role in the field.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.A.S. | 1259 | Public Service |
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