Therapeutic Recreation Courses (Online)
Eastern Washington University offers online therapeutic recreation courses designed for professionals and students seeking to build knowledge in recreation therapy and related healthcare fields. These flexible, asynchronous courses support continuing education and professional development.
Course topics align with industry standards and may support individuals pursuing credentialing in therapeutic recreation; however, students are responsible for verifying specific eligibility requirements with credentialing organizations such as the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these courses lead to NCTRC certification?
These courses are designed to support learning in therapeutic recreation. They do not independently lead to certification and additional requirements may be required by the certifying body. Students should review NCTRC requirements to determine how coursework may apply to their individual goals.
Coursework Pathway to NCTRC Certification: CTRS Professional Certification Path and Requirements | NCTRC
The courses offered at EWU meet the requirements for Therapeutic Recreation Content Coursework. These seven (7) content courses are designed to meet the requirements of the content coursework section, for supportive coursework, please review the information around Therapeutic Recreation Supportive Coursework or reach out to the Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator.
Completion of Therapeutic Recreation Content and Supportive Coursework in accordance with the following NCTRC Standards:
- Therapeutic Recreation Content Courses: A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter credit hours of Recreation Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation (RT/TR) content coursework that aligns with the NCTRC Job Analysis. A minimum of six (6) courses in RT/TR is required. Two (2) of the required RT/TR courses may be taught by the applicant as an educator in a college/university/academic program. Educators may not enroll in their own courses to meet certification requirements.
- Supportive Courses: A total of 18 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of support coursework with a minimum of: (i) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the content area of anatomy and physiology; (ii) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the content area of abnormal psychology/mental health conditions; and (iii) three (3) semester hours or four (4) quarter hours coursework in the content area of human growth and development across the lifespan. The remaining semester hours or quarter hours of coursework must be fulfilled in the content areas of social sciences and humanities.
To learn more about Therapeutic Recreation Supportive Coursework and where to obtain this, or the NCTRC professional experience requirements, please contact ourTherapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator: Dr. Karen Wenzel.
Who should enroll in these courses?
These courses are intended for individuals interested in therapeutic recreation, including working professionals, students, and those exploring careers in recreation therapy or related fields.
Mapping out your Therapeutic Recreation path with EWU:
You'll take these courses:
- *RCLS 240Z Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation (fall term, spring term)
- RCLS 345Z Therapeutic Recreation for People with Disabilities ( winter term)
- RCLS 420Z Program Planning and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation (fall term)
- RCLS 440Z Professional Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (winter term)
- RCLS 445Z Processes and Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (winter term)
- RCLS 450Z Assessment, Documentation, and Evaluation in Therapeutic Recreation (spring term)
- **RCLS 460Z Therapeutic Recreation Administration and Management (spring term)
- **RCLS 493Z Therapeutic Recreation Professional Internship (summer term)
Therapeutic Recreation PCE Schedule AY 26-27
|
| Course Number |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
| 240Z (4 credit) |
X |
|
X |
|
| 345Z (4 credit) |
|
X |
|
|
| 420Z (4 credit) |
X |
|
|
|
| 440Z (4 credit) |
|
X |
|
|
| 445Z (4 credit) |
|
X |
|
|
| 450Z (4 credit) |
|
|
X |
|
| 460Z (4 credit) |
|
|
X |
|
| 493Z (12 credit Internship) |
|
|
|
X |
*Introduction/foundation course, recommended to be taken first to provide a basic understanding of the field before tackling more advanced topics.
**Advanced course, recommended as a final course in the sequence of classes.
Resources
NCTRC Certification Standards: Content-Standards
NCTRC Professional Experience Requirements: Experience Outline
EWU Resource Book Store: Textbooks - Students
EWU Payment Support: If you are in need of a payment plan, please contact the Professional & Continuing Education team at pce@ewu.edu.
Completion of these courses does not guarantee eligibility for certification or licensure. These courses are designed to support students in their pursuit of CTRS Certification. Students should consult the NCTRC to confirm current requirements.
