RCPT 340
INTRODUCTION TO RECREATION THERAPY

1. Catalog Entry

RCPT 340. Introduction to Recreation Therapy
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: RCPT 112, RCPT 210, or permission of chairperson.

Introduction to recreation therapy as a professional field of service including history, philosophy and concepts, people served, terminology, settings, scope of service, and role of practitioners.

2. Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The topics considered in this course represent the foundation of recreation therapy. These topics focus on developing initial knowledge, understanding, skills, and competencies necessary for successful practice in therapeutic recreation and in meeting eligibility requirements to take the national certification examination in therapeutic recreation.

The following topics are considered:

• Role of leisure and recreation
• Influence on health and wellness
• Career paths in TR
• Characteristics of individuals with disabilities and basic medical terminology
• Cognitive disabilities
• Dementia
• Traumatic brain injury
• Developmental/learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities (impairments)
• Musculoskeletal system
• Nervous system
• Circulatory system
• Respiratory system
• Endocrine and metabolic disorders
• Infectious diseases
• Sensory and communication disabilities
• Visual
• Hearing
• Speech
• Psychiatric disabilities
• Psychoses
• Affective disorders
• Personality and eating disorders
• Substance and polysubstance dependence
• Agency characteristics
• Clinical agencies
• Community agencies
• School settings
• Trends in therapeutic/special recreation services
• Client need identification
• Problem identification
• Leisure-related needs
• Goals and behavioral objectives
• Covert and overt behaviors
• Program accountability
• Human service models
• Other allied health professionals
• Historical development
• TR service models
• TR Process Model and related documentation
• Roles and responsibilities
• Ethics
• Client confidentiality
• Introduction to the standards of practice and code of ethics

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

The primary means of imparting knowledge and information is by lecture, although films, video-tapes, and field trips are used. These activities are frequently followed by discussion.

In addition, students are required to critique one article from appropriate journals or book chapters over a period of ten weeks, as well as serving as a volunteer in a health or health-related facility for a minimum of two hours per week, over a period of 12 weeks. Additional assignments may be given at the discretion of the instructor.

An emphasis within the classroom is to create an environment, wherein students are provided the opportunity to ask questions and discuss reading assignments, visual presentations, and outside experiences.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will:

1. Identify basic broad-based recreation therapy concepts and principles.
2. Describe the development of recreation therapy as a service and as a profession.
3. Describe the content and services of the recreation therapy delivery system.
4. Identify the role and function of health care and human service systems, including the contribution of recreation therapy to each.
5. Identify and articulate ethical principles and standards of practice as applied to professional practice in recreation therapy.

5. Assessment Measures

Grading assignments to determine student competencies will include three-to-five pop quizzes, critiques of journal articles, and final semester examination. Other factors considered in the grading process include field trip attendance, role-playing assignments, participation in classroom discussion and any additional assignments. 

6. Other Course Information

None

7. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
November 2005 Reviewed Susan R. Van Patten, Curriculum Chair