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BS in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy

Our Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy prepares students for a career of helping others get better and stay healthy by engaging in the activities they love to do. The program is designed for students who are eager to pursue a career in recreational therapy (RT), or for students who plan to pursue graduate education in allied health care programs such as Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (SLP), Nursing, Rehabilitation Counseling, Athletic Training (AT), Art Therapy, Music Therapy or Child Life.

The BS program prepares students to become competent entry-level rehabilitation professionals and recreational therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) domains.

Tracks

A student may take the Rehabilitation Track or the Recreational Therapy Track. To decide which track best meets your education and career goals, you can review the RRT Degree Decision Tree or the screen reader-friendly RRT Degree Decision Tree.

Both tracks are also offered in an online format. Contact Tonia Porter for more information.

Rehabilitation

The Rehabilitation Track is suitable for students interested in graduate programs in other allied healthcare professions (such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Counseling, and School Psychology). The courses in the rehabilitation track emphasize the broad spectrum of health care through treatment, education, and therapeutic services – all of which are instrumental to improving and maintaining physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning, preventing secondary health conditions, and enhancing overall quality of life. This track provides 30 credits of electives that can be used for prerequisite courses for graduate programs.

Graduates of the Rehabilitation Track can meet the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) after graduation if they gain Professional Experience that meets NCTRC’s guidelines.  Professional Experience can be fulfilled by ONE of the following options:

 

 

Students interested in pursuing this path after graduation are encouraged to contact tlporter@fiu.edu for guidance on meeting the professional experience requirement and preparing for the NCTRC exam.

Students in the rehabilitation track can meet the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) academic requirements for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential via the equivalency path, if they have 1,500 hours of paid work experience using the RT process under the supervision of a CTRS. If you want to sit for the NCTRC exam but were originally in the Rehabilitation track and you do not have the necessary work experience, please contact emessina@fiu.edu for more information on the additional requirements.

Students who choose the rehabilitation track to pursue other allied healthcare professions have good prospective employment, as the labor and employment market for health and rehabilitation fields is very strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups, with 14% projected growth from 2018 to 2028.

Courses 

Recreational Therapy

The Recreational Therapy (RT) Track prepares students to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Students in the RT track complete a fieldwork placement and academic internship. Graduates of the RT Track meet all NCTRC’s educational and professional experience requirements to become certified after completion of the degree.

The Recreational Therapy Track prepares students to be eligible for certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) via NCTRC’s academic path, to work as a recreational therapist right after graduation. Recreational Therapy jobs are growing due to the prevalence of disability in our society. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some type of disability. The curriculum in the recreational therapy track emphasizes the role of recreational therapy in the health care team through treatment, education, and recreation and leisure-based interventions – all of which are instrumental to improving and maintaining physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning, preventing secondary health conditions, and enhancing quality of life.

Recreational Therapy is a fast-growing profession. According to the U.S Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than average for all occupations. The increase in the number of aging adults is generating recreational therapy jobs nationwide, and especially in Florida, the state with the highest percentage of persons ages 65 and over.

Courses 

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College to Career

  • Rehabilitation Therapy: Physical medicine and rehabilitation agencies, schools, behavioral/mental health facilities, military services organizations, community-based and disability organizations, assisted living facilities, adapted sports programs, parks and recreation departments, government, and home health care.
  • Recreational Therapy: Rehabilitation settings, long-term care agencies, disability services, social assistance, and human service settings.

College to Graduate School 

Our degree tracks are appropriate for students who want to pursue graduate degrees in allied health professions such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Rehabilitation Counseling, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Child Life Specialist.

  • Physical Therapy

    Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

    The Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University (FIU) is offering a unique admissions opportunity for students who will be graduating from the BS in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy: Rehabilitation Track.

    A candidate’s application is reviewed by one or more graduate faculty from the Department of Physical Therapy. An applicant is granted an interview based upon their ranked academic score. Those students who will be graduating from the above track, who meet the pre-requisite coursework for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and have an academic score of 82 or higher will be automatically granted an early interview. The early interview will be before the mass interviews held in February/March of the matriculating year, giving highly qualified students an opportunity to be accepted to the Physical Therapy program at FIU. A student from the above-mentioned degree track can have up to 3 incomplete items (references, observation hours, coursework) which must be completed by the start of classes in August. All students must have taken the GRE when making an initial application. Additionally, all students must make an application through PTCAS and complete the FIU supplemental application.

    An academic score is determined from GRE scores, cumulative and prerequisite GPA. The academic score is the “key” that unlocks the door for obtaining an interview. Supplemental information includes references, physical therapy observation experience, extracurricular and community activity, and a general essay are also used to evaluate candidates during the interview.

    Check your Academic score here: https://form.jotform.com/231935413304045

    More Information on the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at FIU can be found here: https://cnhs.fiu.edu/academics/physical-therapy/programs/d-physical-therapy/

  • Occupational Therapy

    Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

    A BS in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy: Rehabilitation Track is a good undergraduate option for students interested in a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. We encourage applicants to attend our information sessions, featured on our website Occupational Therapy | FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

     

    The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) at FIU prepares entry-level occupational therapists. This intensive, hands-on program equips students with the tools, knowledge, and skills to promote health, wellness, and functional independence throughout the life span. Graduates of the MSOT program are eligible for certification by the National Board for Certification in

    Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

     

    PROGRAM INFORMATION:

    The MSOT program is a 2.5 year, (7 semesters/80 credits) full time program. The program admits 50 students each fall.

     

    APPLICATION PROCESS:

    Florida International University uses the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Please visit https://portal.otcas.org to create your OTCAS account.

     

    Where to send your application: OTCAS must receive the application, references, and transcripts by the 1st Friday in February each year for admission in the fall. Once your application is complete, OTCAS will verify your documents before releasing them to Florida International University.

     

    Applicants are required to submit a Graduate School application in addition to the OTCAS application. The cost of the application is $30. Students are encouraged to complete this application after submission of their OTCAS application. Website: FIU Graduate School Application

     

    Please Note:

    - Florida International University cannot access unverified applications. Applicants should confirm their status as verified with OTCAS.

    • For any questions about the receipt, processing, and verification of your application, please contact OTCAS Customer Service at 617-612-2860, otcsinfo@otcas.org.

    - All official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS and if admitted to the FIU Graduate School.

    - Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically through the OTCAS system.

     

     

    OT Prerequisite Certificate

     

    For any FIU student in good standing (with a minimum 3.0 cumulative FIU GPA) completing the requirements for a BA/BS. OR Any student already holding a BA/BS degree who has a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate degree. To apply for the Occupational Therapy Prerequisite Certificate program please call 305-348-7709 to make an appointment with an advisor to discuss qualifications.

     

    ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

    - BS or BA degree IN ANY FIELD from a regionally accredited college or university.

    - A GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of upper division undergraduate coursework.

    - Required cumulative 3.0 GPA for all prerequisite courses.

    - Prerequisite courses must be taken within 5 years of application.

     

    Complete the following prerequisite courses prior to the start of the fall admission term with a minimum grade of “C”:

    - Biology with Lab

    - Statistics

    - Human Growth & Development

    - Abnormal Psychology

    - Medical Terminology

     

    A grade of “B” or above must be earned in the following 4 courses: Applicants with 3 of the 4 courses completed by the application deadline will be given priority for review and potential admission.

    - Physiology

    - Kinesiology

    - Human Anatomy with Lab

    - Neuroscience (3000 level or higher)

  • Rehabilitation Counseling

    Master of Science in Counselor Education, Rehabilitation Counseling Major

    · A nationally CACREP accredited, 60-credit program that prepares students to work with individuals with disabilities in diverse community settings.

    · Along with mastering the techniques and skills that will help you become a qualified counselor, you will learn how to work with individuals with disabilities and chronic disorders being served in community settings, state vocational rehabilitation agencies and private rehabilitation centers.

    · Upon graduation, you will be eligible to become a nationally certified Rehabilitation Counselor.

     

    Admission Requirements:

    · Submit online Graduate Application to the Office of Graduate Admissions

    · Official Transcripts of all college-level work

    · The last 60 credits of Undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or higher.

    · Three letters of recommendation. At least one from an academic source and one from a work/volunteer experience

    · An autobiographical sketch including a record of work and volunteer experiences.

    · A resume (Curriculum Vitae)

    · Personal interview with the Committee

    Scholarship Opportunities:

    Students admitted into the program are eligible for a scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. For more information, please visit our website: https://case.fiu.edu/crsp/ms-rehabilitation-counseling/ or email rehab@fiu.edu

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  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Master of Science in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Major

    · A nationally CACREP accredited, 60-credit program that prepares students to work in professional counseling in different settings blending research and theory with practical applied experience.

    · In this major, you focus on building awareness, skills and techniques that will make you an effective mental health counselor to individuals across the lifespan.

    · You learn to provide individual and group counseling to individuals from diverse cultural groups and how to diagnose mental disorders.

    · Upon graduation, you will be eligible for national certification and state licensure in mental health counseling.

     

    Admission Requirements:

    · Submit online Graduate Application to the Office of Graduate Admissions

    · Official Transcripts of all college-level work

    · The last 60 credits of Undergraduate GPA must be 3.2 or higher.

    · Three letters of recommendation. At least one from an academic source and one from a work/volunteer experience

    · An autobiographical sketch including a record of work and volunteer experiences.

    · A resume (Curriculum Vitae)

    · Personal interview with the Committee

    For more information, please visit our website: https://case.fiu.edu/crsp/ms-clinical-mental-health-counseling/

  • School Psychology

    EdS in School Psychology | College of Arts, Sciences & Education | Florida International University (fiu.edu)

  • Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

    Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) | Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Florida International University (fiu.edu)

    Graduate Certificate in Communication Sciences & Disorders | FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences

  • Athletic Training

    M.S. in Athletic Training

    The Master of Science in Athletic Training curriculum is grounded in hands-on, learner-centered education and evidence-based practice to equip students with the clinical and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem solving and ethical reasoning abilities required to be successful in the profession. The FIU athletic training faculty also incorporate technology through the state-of-the-art Simulation Teaching And Research (STAR) Center, to enhance the FIU athletic training clinical education experience. The MSAT program is a 6 semester (58 credits), full time program and includes more than 1000 hours of clinical experience.

     

    How to Apply:

    All applications are due February 15th (February 1st for International Students). Applicants should use the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS). To access the ATCAS System, go to: http://atcas.liaisoncas.com

    To complete the application process, applicants must submit the following:

    - Official transcripts of all post-secondary institutions attended

    - Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member)

    - A curriculum vitae/resume

    - A personal statement of professional and educational goals

     

    Although not required, applicants should consider submitting the following:

    - A cover letter

    - A writing sample

     

    Admission Requirements

    - Bachelor degree from an accredited institution

    - Minimum 3.00 GPA average (based on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 credits of upper division courses of the bachelor degree

    - Complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C”:

    o Biology with lab

    o Physics with lab

    o Chemistry with lab

    o Human Anatomy with lab (or A&P I)

    o Human Physiology with lab (or A&P II)

    o Nutrition

    o Statistics

    o Psychology

    o Kinesiology or Biomechanics

    o Exercise Physiology

    Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) | Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Florida International University (fiu.edu)

    Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) | Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Florida International University (fiu.edu)

Recreational Therapy Frequently Asked Question

How do I become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)?

There are three components included in NCTRC’s Path to Certification.  All individuals who wish to become a CTRS must meet the following requirements to be eligible to sit for the national certification exam:

  • Degree: Completion of a bachelors’ degree of higher from an accredited institution
  • RT Coursework:
    • Completion of a minimum of six RT/TR courses in RT/TR AND
    • Completion of NCTRC defined ‘Supportive Courses’ (i.e. Anatomy/physiology, abnormal psychology, human growth & development)
  • Professional Experience:
    • Completion of a 560-hour academic internship OR
    • Paid Professional Work Experience (5,000 hours of experience using the TR process as approved by NCTRC or 1,500 hours of work supervised by a CTRS)

Program Contacts


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Contact Us

Department of Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology
11200 SW 8th Street, ZEB 310
Miami, FL 33199
Tel: 305-348-9905