If you would enjoy working with disabled or elderly people, giving them a higher quality of life by supporting their participation in a variety of recreational activities, this could be the masters degree for you. Indiana University offers this Masters in Therapeutic Recreation at a distance.
About Therapeutic Recreation
Recreational therapists provide treatment to the developmentally challenged, physically disabled or elderly with a focus on improving the patient’s overall quality of life. Therapists help patients participate in a variety of leisurely activities with the support of the therapist. Self esteem, motor skills, and interpersonal skills are addressed through play and recreational activities. Many recreational therapists work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and as consultants. If working to improve the lives of people who are faced with a variety of challenges appeals to you, recreational therapy might be the career for you.
Masters in Therapeutic Recreation at IU
A masters degree in therapeutic recreation is offered by Indiana University through the Department of Recreation and Park Administration. The program requires 35 hours of coursework as well as an internship. Indiana University offers distance education classes through a closed circuit television system. Students are actually able to interact with the professor through a special telephone receiver. Until recently, these courses were only available to students living within the state of Indiana, but they are now available to out-of-state students as well. Prospective students will need to contact the department of therapeutic recreation to find out if the courses can be broadcast in their area. According to gradschools.com , the required courses for this masters program are offered via vhs/dvd and online as well. Online courses should be available in all locations.
The drawbacks to this program are that the courses are only available at specific times unless you can obtain dvd lectures. The closed circuit tv courses are broadcast live, so although you can study from home, you don’t have any flexibility regarding attending classes. You have to be available when the class takes place on campus. Also, you have to start at the traditional semester start times for the live courses. You can’t sign up and take a class whenever you want.
Financial aid and scholarships are available. Tuition and fees for out of state graduate students for one year is $14,468.
Phone: 1-317-274-3449 for more information regarding this Indiana University distance education program.
