Overview

Recreational Therapy (RECTX) is the specialized application of recreation and experiential activities or interventions that help maintain or improve the health status, functional capacities, and ultimately the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Secondary admission.

Recreational Therapy at Grand Valley State University is a cohort program where students receive individualized attention, hands-on practice, and over 1000 hours of clinical experience prior to graduation. Students need to be able to use clinical reasoning skills to solve problems, formulate concepts, make judgments, analyze behaviors and tasks, and determine appropriate interventions.

Why Study Recreational Therapy at Grand Valley?

Nationally recognized curriculum with diverse opportunities for employment after graduation.
Located in the state-of-the-art Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall with a one-of-a-kind recreational therapy classroom/lab space including adventure therapy course and adaptive sports court(s), in close proximity to five hospitals, and many research, clinical, and treatment facilities.
Graduates entering a satisfying helping profession that assists people with disabilities to be more independent and achieve a higher quality of life, changing lives through transformative and innovative application of recreation and leisure.
The program meets the standards of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (caahep.org) under the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education.

Programme Structure

Students study a variety of topics that include:

Foundations of recreational therapy
Human anatomy and physiology
Interventions in recreational therapy
Leisure, health and wellness

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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PTE Academic

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Allendale, United States

Disciplines

Kinesiology View 673 other Bachelors in Kinesiology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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Other requirements

General requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
Prerequisites - CHM 109 and PSY 101 (or plan to complete by program fall start)
Personal Essay (2-3 pages)
Statement of Professional Goals (1-2 pages)
Two Recommendations
Summary & Verification of Paid/Volunteer Experience in Therapeutic Setting(s) form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22770 USD / year

≈ 22770 USD / year
Out-of-State

22770 USD / year

≈ 22770 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16122 USD / year

≈ 16122 USD / year

Living costs

Allendale

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Recreational Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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