Overview

The Recreational Therapy programme at Indiana University Bloomington provides a comprehensive foundation in healthcare through the lens of therapeutic recreation and adapted physical activity. Students learn to utilise arts, sports, and outdoor engagement to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of diverse populations. This degree is specifically designed to equip future professionals with the clinical skills required to assess, plan, and implement life-changing interventions.

Why Recreational Therapy at Indiana University Bloomington?

Choosing this programme means joining a welcoming community within the School of Public Health-Bloomington, where small class sizes foster strong networking and peer connections. The curriculum is highly hands-on, allowing students to apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios through extensive field experience. Furthermore, the programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP), ensuring high educational standards. Students also benefit from an exceptional 96.8% pass rate on the National Certification Exam, significantly exceeding the national average.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 42702 per year
National fee: USD 42702 per year
Local fee: USD 12142 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum blends foundational healthcare knowledge with practical service-learning. Students must complete 320 hours of field experience followed by a 15-week professional internship. Modules may include:

Recreational Therapy Practice
Disability, Health, and Function
Adapted Physical Activity
Treatment Planning
Clinical Assessment
Professional Internship
Research Methods
Psychology

Careers with Recreational Therapy

Graduates are prepared to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and find employment in a wide range of clinical and community settings. The programme also serves as an excellent pathway for those pursuing further studies in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or physician assistant roles. Common career destinations include:

Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centres
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
Mental Health Facilities and Psychiatric Hospitals
Community Recreation Centres and Inclusive Parks
Veterans’ Hospitals and Clinics
Schools and Special Education Institutions
Correctional Facilities and Rehabilitation Units

Graduates work with diverse groups, including older adults, children with developmental disabilities, individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and veterans coping with physical or psychological challenges.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Psychology

Abnormal Psychology

Life Span Development

Adapted Physical Education

Disability, Health, and Function

Recreational Therapy Assessment and Planning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

Kinesiology View 674 other Bachelors in Kinesiology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Academic performance and preparation
Strength and quality of your high school curriculum
Anticipated completion of secondary school before you start at IU
Recent grade trends
SAT or ACT results
Essays
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Work experience

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

42702 USD / year

≈ 42702 USD / year
Out-of-State

42702 USD / year

≈ 42702 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12142 USD / year

≈ 12142 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 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.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bloomington

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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