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Therapeutic Recreation

If you strive to help others on a daily basis and want to take part in one of the fastest growing health-related professions, therapeutic recreation is the major for you. You will focus on the use of various leisure activities to improve the quality of life of people with illnesses, disabilities and other limitations. Learn from distinguished faculty members looking to help you excel, and you will be well on your way to a successful career.

Careers in Therapeutic Recreation

  • Therapeutic recreation specialist in health-care facilities such as rehabilitation hospitals and psychiatric centers
  • Therapeutic recreation specialist in long-term care facilities
  • Therapeutic recreation manager
  • Inclusion specialist in community parks and recreation departments or nonprofit agencies

What Will I Learn?

  • Learn how to apply the therapeutic recreation process in a variety of settings to help people with disabilities and other differences achieve well-being
  • Engage in an internship
  • Learn how to assess the needs of clients and deliver customized programming in both clinical and community settings

The employment opportunities in this feed are a sample from Career Services’ Handshake portal. Some positions may require additional certifications. Handshake is available to current SUNY Cortland students and alumni.

Special Features

  • You will qualify to sit for the national certification exam to become a certified therapeutic recreation specialist after graduation
  • Graduate program in therapeutic recreation
  • The department is one of the oldest and most highly respected programs in the United States
  • Nationally and internationally recognized faculty committed to students
  • High employment rate (more than 95 percent) of graduates

Get Involved

Group in wheelchairs playing with giant ball

College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with these opportunities such as internships and fieldwork in parks, hospitals, recreation departments and other settings in the U.S. Inclusive Childhood Education and abroad.

Student Clubs and Activities

  • SUNY Cortland Recreation Association
  • Inclusive Recreation Club
  • Outdoor Pursuits

Honor Societies

Rho Phi Lambda

Next Steps