Other courses include anatomy, physiology, psychology, and medical terminology. Additional courses cover ethics, assessment and referral, and the use of medical equipment. Students also participate in a supervised internship. A few states require recreational therapists to be certified. Contact your state Department of Health or Department of Licensing to determine if certification is required in your sate.
Optional certification is available.
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification offers two paths to certification. The academic path requires having a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. For the second path, a bachelor's degree is also required. However, the degree can be in any major as long as at least 24 quarters or 18 semester hours are taken of therapeutic recreation courses. Other academic requirements must also be met.