Therapeutic Recreation Services

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Therapeutic Recreation Serices.

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and leisure professionals for almost fifty years, recognizing the contribution which recreation experiences make to the quality of life. Leadership, management, and program skills are the focus of the curriculum, which is accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association.

The therapeutic recreation services major is an accredited professional program which prepares students to be certified as therapeutic recreation specialists. Graduates plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation services in clinical and non-clinical settings. The program explores the use of recreation services to improve or maintain physical, mental, emotional, and/or social functioning and to assist individuals to achieve and sustain self-reliant, high-quality leisure lifestyles. Employment opportunities within the therapeutic recreation profession include:

hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
rehabilitation centers
mental health and substance abuse agencies
correctional facilities
senior citizen centers
camps and outdoor recreation settings
sheltered workshops and vocational training centers
schools

Therapeutic recreation services majors can complete the optional child life specialization (requires 11 additional credits).

If a student opts for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the therapeutic recreation services major, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Therapeutic Recreation Services Program Checksheet

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Program Checksheet for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

HPER 478 - Budgeting for Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
HPER 479 - Personnel and Human Resources Management Credits: 3
SMRT 103 - Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services Credits: 3
SMRT 106 - Dynamics of Leadership Credits: 3
SMRT 272 - Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 350 - Public Relations Credits: 3
SMRT 361 - Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance Credits: 3
SMRT 405 - Historical Perspectives of Leisure and Recreation Credits: 2
SMRT 426 - Management of Natural Resources Credits: 3
SMRT 485 - Undergraduate Internship Credits: 12
(Must be taken for 12 credits, 480 hours minimum, to meet program requirements)

B. Related Requirements

BIOL 130 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 3
BIOL 131 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 3
BIOL 132 - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Credits: 1
BIOL 133 - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab Credits: 1
MOSK 101 - Outdoor Pursuits Credits: 1
PEAC 108 - Sports for the Disabled I Credits: .5
PEAC 109 - Sports for the Disabled II Credits: .5
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 109 - Human Development Credits: 3
PSYC 221 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
RHDS 260 - Medical Information Credits: 3
SMRT 253 - Processes and Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 411 - Community Based Therapeutic Recreation Service Credits: 3
or
SMRT 470 - Therapeutic Recreation for the Older Adult Credits: 3
SMRT 473 - Therapeutic Recreation Programming for Persons with Disabilities Credits: 3

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Optional Specialization: Child Life

SMRT 474 - Child Life Concepts and Theories in Working with the Hospitalized Child Credits: 3
SMRT 476 - Child Life Clinical Issues and Techniques Credits: 3
SMRT 486 - Clinical Practicum in Child Life Credits: 5

Program and Advanced Standing Requirements

Therapeutic Recreation majors must qualify for advanced standing in order to register for the third and fourth year sequences of required courses (including Pre-Practicum and Internship).To qualify for advanced standing, the student must meet the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

The student’s overall cumulative grade point index must meet or exceed a 2.50 GPA.
Proper professional and responsible behavior is expected of each therapeutic recreation student. This includes behavior while a student (on- and off-campus) and as a member of the college community.

After achieving the minimum GPA, the student must maintain those standards through the remainder of the program. If the student fails to meet or maintain those standards, the faculty will review the student’s record and recommend departmental probation (with appropriate prescription to overcome the deficiency) or dismissal from the program.

Appeal Process
A student may appeal any action taken by the department regarding his or her probation or dismissal from the major. In order to appeal, the student must submit a letter to the department chairperson requesting a review of their status. This appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the student being notified of his or her probation or dismissal. The sport management and recreation chairperson will call a meeting of the appropriate faculty to which the student will be invited. The student will be notified within ten days of the meeting regarding the outcome of their appeal.

Academic Catalog