Careers
Careers in Therapeutic Recreation
Students graduating with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation at SUNY Cortland are prepared to gain certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are prepared to work in a diverse field including career opportunities in the following:
- Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation
- Physical and Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Adaptive Sports and Recreation
- Adaptive Outdoor Recreation
- Hospital-Based In-Patient and Out-Patient Clinical Therapy
- Mental Health Services
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
- Veterans Services
Organizations, Associations and Resources:
American Therapeutic Recreation AssociationThis national professional association publishes both a general overview of careers in therapeutic recreation and announcements of specific employment opportunities in the field.
Careers in Outdoor Recreation
Students graduating with a degree in Outdoor Recreation at SUNY Cortland are prepared to work in a diverse field including career opportunities in the following:
Careers in Outdoor Recreation:
- Adventure Company Owner or Manager
- Adventure Travel Planners
- Challenge/Ropes Course Director
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor
- Outdoor Adventure Recreation Director
- Outdoor Recreation Retail Business Owner or Manager
- Resident Camp Director
- Resort Recreation Director
- River Rafting Guide
- Rock Climbing Guide
- Rock Climbing Gym Director
- University Outdoor Adventure Recreation Director
- Wilderness Instructor
- Wilderness Program Director
Organizations, Associations and Resources:
Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Site includes internships and career information in outdoor recreation resource management
Outdoor Action Guide to Outdoor/Environmental Careers (by Princeton University)
Overview of employment opportunities in outdoor recreation
American Camping Association (ACA)
Camping professionals, including camp owners, directors, administrators and staff. The organization also has a program for camp accreditation.
Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO)
Professionals providing educational experiences in and about the outdoors
National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
Organization for those who interpret natural and cultural history for park visitors (commonly known as ranger talks at the parks).
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Organization for those who educate people about environmental issues in both formal (classroom) and non-formal (nature centers, camps, etc.) settings.
Wilderness Education Association (WEA)
Organization for those who lead wilderness trips.
Volunteer Management
Resources for professionals in volunteer management, including job bulletin.
National directory of employment opportunities in non-profit organizations.
Youth Services
YMCA of the USA (and International)
Jobs and volunteer opportunities in the U.S and abroad. Search a YMCA facility nearest you and contact for more information.
Travel and Tourism
International Festivals and Events Association
Association of professionals who plan and coordinate festivals and events; includes job bulletin.
Meeting Planners International
Provides information on education and events, membership, news, publications, and professional resources for those interested in careers as meeting planners.
Resort and Commercial Recreation Association
Site for a national professional association, including job bulletin.
Introduces interested travel and tourism students to the exciting world of working within resorts and hotels. Jobs, internships, and training available.
Travel and Tourism Research Association
The International Association of Travel Marketing and Research Professionals
Careers in Campus Recreation and Student Services
Career Services in Higher Education Student Services
National Association of Student Personnel Administration.
National Association of College Activities
Student activities professional organizations.
National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association
Association of College Unions International
International association of student activities professionals.
Careers in Sports and Recreation
National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association
Professional organization dedicated to development of intramural/recreation sports and fitness programs.
New York Times Job Search Engine
Click on the Sports, Recreation & Leisure Jobs link.