Bachelor's in Recreational Therapy

East Carolina University has evolved into a comprehensive institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, health sciences, education, engineering, and the arts. With a student-centered approach, ECU is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The university places a strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing to advancements in fields such as medicine, technology, and education. ECU's vibrant campus life, coupled with its focus on service and leadership development, ensures that students not only receive a top-notch education but also graduate as well-rounded individuals prepared for success in their chosen fields.

Do you have an interest in working with people who have a disability, are recovering from a serious illness or accident, or are struggling with mental health issues? Do you have a calling that is urging you to reach out to those who are dealing with physical, social, emotional, or cognitive challenges to help them reach a better quality of life? Students studying recreational therapy learn the skills needed to work with people in allied health-care settings such as hospitals, psychiatric clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation clinics, substance abuse centers, and similar settings. You might work with returning injured service-members, seniors, children, adolescents, and individuals from all walks of life. The BS degree in recreational therapy at ECU has a strong clinical focus, which means that graduates will work side-by-side with physicians, occupational and physical therapists, nurses, and other members of an individual's treatment team wherever they work. The goal is always to help the patient/client achieve the highest level of functioning possible so as to experience life to the fullest. ECU recreational therapy students learn in the classroom, through practicum experiences, and they spend 15 weeks in a full-time internship where they learn to work with a variety of clientele in various settings. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam and become credentialed to work in the field. In North Carolina, both national certification and state licensure are required to practice recreational therapy.

East Carolina University (ECU) stands as a dynamic hub of learning and innovation in North Carolina. Renowned for its rich academic heritage, ECU has grown from its early roots in teacher training to become a leading public research institution. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, ECU distinguishes itself through a commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and community engagement. The university's ethos centers on fostering a student-centric environment, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging a holistic educational experience. At ECU, students not only gain knowledge in their chosen disciplines but also actively contribute to impactful research, embodying the institution's dedication to producing well-rounded, forward-thinking graduates.