What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational Therapy (RT) utilizes activity-based interventions to prevent health conditions, as well as address the assessed needs of individuals with health conditions, as a means to maximize health, recovery, and well-being. Check out these sites to learn more about the RT profession!

• I Am a Recreational Therapist
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• NCTRC: About RT
• ATRA: About RT

Why Choose Temple University? 

Temple’s RT program within the Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences is highly regarded nationally for excellence in teaching and research. Faculty are established leaders in advancing RT as a health and human service discipline and have been recognized with numerous professional awards. Our pass rate for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam to become a nationally certified recreational therapist is consistently above the national average. Because of Temple’s outstanding reputation for quality, RT students do very well in both internship and employment opportunities. Another good reason to choose Temple is “location, location, location.” The metropolitan Philadelphia area offers students a “living classroom” comprised of many diverse health care and human services agencies. Students affiliate with agencies for course projects, internship placements, and career-related paid employment. Check out our Facebook Page!

Our Commitment to Evidence-Based Research and Practice

The Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at Temple University is committed to the advancement of the Recreational Therapy profession through the translation of knowledge to students, practitioners, health care administrators, and policy makers.

Mission Statement

The Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at Temple University prepares graduates who value strategic health-focused, interprofessional, and research-grounded services and respect diversity of location, language, and culture. We generate research and scholarship that advances health and rehabilitation practices, and we provide graduates with opportunities to acquire and create knowledge and skills necessary to serve as effective practitioners, researchers, administrators and leaders in dynamic community and healthcare environments.

Recent Stories about the Recreational Therapy Program & Our RT Students at Temple

Bike Share Program for People with Mental Illness: Listen to the below podcast to learn about this program. A free copy of the Bike Share Program Manual is available.