National Therapeutic Recreation Curriculum Study Part B: University, Faculty, Student, and Placement Characteristics

Authors

  • Norma J. Stumbo
  • Marcia J. Carter

Abstract

The stability and consistency of therapeutic recreation curricula across the nation has been a concern for many years. The purpose of this study was to examine the state of the art of therapeutic recreation curricula in 4 areas: (a) university logistics, (b) faculty, (c) students, and (d) graduation and placement rates. The results showed that therapeutic recreation curricula are housed in diverse universities that have unique characteristics. Departments average 4 recreation faculty and slightly less than 2 therapeutic recreation faculty. Therapeutic recreation faculty typically teach undergraduate therapeutic recreation and recreation core classes carrying a load of 4 or 3, 3 hour courses per semester. The average department had 135 recreation majors and 51 therapeutic recreation majors. On average, 80 to 90 percent of therapeutic recreation majors graduate, find employment in the field, and become certified by NCTRC. Several recommendations are made for therapeutic recreation faculty and the national organizations.

Published

1999-07-24

Issue

Section

Research Papers