Skip to main content

Recreational Therapy

Use recreational activities to help clients improve physical and mental health

Navigate to the next section

What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational therapists use leisure, play, and creative activities to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being. Students learn to design therapeutic recreation programs that help individuals recover from illness, injury, or disability.

Combining psychology, healthcare, and recreation management, this field promotes independence, reduces stress, and enhances quality of life. Recreational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community programs, using activities like sports, art, music, and outdoor recreation to support recovery and holistic wellness across diverse populations.

View majors

“The best part about my job is that I get to have kids play while they're recovering. It's the only form of development where they're laughing and having fun.”

David BellCamp Director

Recreational Therapy Programs

Become a recreational therapist by studying in an MSRT, “Health, Leisure and Human Performance”, “Therapeutic Recreation”, or “Leisure Studies” program. They all combine having recreation with physical, mental, and social development.

MSRT

Master’s of Science in Recreational Therapy

A Master of Science in Recreational Therapy (MSRT) prepares students to design and lead therapeutic recreation programs that enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being for individuals with illnesses or disabilities.

Various

Doctor of Recreational Therapy

A Doctor of Recreational Therapy goes by many other names, but all prepare students at the highest level to lead patients to improve physical, emotional, and social well being while participating in recreational activities.

Where to become a Recreational Therapist