The Recreational Therapy internship is designed to fulfill the certification requirements set forth by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing a major that aligns with the degrees recognized by the NCTRC. It is imperative that all coursework is completed before commencing the internship. Desirable qualifications include having volunteer or paid working experience in or closely aligned to recreational therapy.
Opportunities are available to students for spring, summer, and fall internships. Students obtain a well-rounded educational and clinical learning experience from working in the department’s many service areas.
Internship programs run for 14 consecutive weeks and include 40 hours per week.
Internship Responsibilities
Observe, assist, and eventually lead all scheduled groups
Initiate one-on-one sessions, assessments, and interventions with patients
Observe and participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, patient review rounds, and information sharing with appointed supervisor
Participate in all intervention planning, evaluation, and documentation
Complete a case study of a patient in assigned area
Complete a final project to benefit patients and/or the Rehabilitation Therapies Department
Maintain open communication with your Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) supervisor