Examining the Educational Requirements for Entry-Level RT/TR Practice: The Process and Recommendations of the ATRA Higher Education Task Force

Over the span of two years (2016-2018), a Task Force within the American Therapeutic Recreation Associations Higher Education Committee planned and implemented a systematic study to investigate the educational requirements for entry-level education in recreational therapy/therapeutic recreation (RT/...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Therapeutic recreation journal 2018-01, Vol.52 (4), p.410-418
Main Authors: Hawkins, Brent L, Craig, Patricia J, Anderson, Lynn S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
College students
Communication
Core curriculum
Curriculum Research
Data collection
Degree Requirements
Education
Health aspects
Higher education
Job qualifications
Recreation
Stakeholders
Strategic planning
Studies
Task forces
Therapeutic recreation
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Summary:Over the span of two years (2016-2018), a Task Force within the American Therapeutic Recreation Associations Higher Education Committee planned and implemented a systematic study to investigate the educational requirements for entry-level education in recreational therapy/therapeutic recreation (RT/TR) and to provide recommendations and strategies addressing educational requirements. The Task Force conducted a mixed-methods study with four stakeholder groups, including practitioners, educators, students, and credentialing and accrediting bodies in RT/TR. Data were collected and analyzed from this study, in addition to a review and consideration of existing literature and resources associated with education in health disciplines. This process yielded one finding and five recommendations to inform the future of RT/TR education. Results indicated that the most current and pressing need in higher education is to improve the quality and consistency of the bachelor's degree in RT7 TR. The five recommendations for the future of RT/TR education are reported and discussed.
ISSN:0040-5914
2159-6433
DOI:10.18666/TRJ-2018-V52-I4-9164