Comprehensive TR involves a continuum of service that includes treatment, leisure education, and independent recreation participation.
Treatment uses recreational activities to habilitate or rehabilitate functional abilities.
Leisure education uses appropriate recreational and educational activities to acquire leisure participation skills, knowledge, and attitudes that facilitate independent, satisfying leisure experiences. Independent recreation participation uses activities to promote health, growth, development, and independence through self-rewarding leisure pursuits. Special Opportunities Developed in 1981, the therapeutic recreation major at Utica College is one of a very few programs in the nation that is strictly designed to educate and graduate recreation therapists with a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic recreation. The program also is unique in that it is housed in the Division of Health and Human Studies, which reflects the clinical-medical aspects of the major as well as the philosophical recreation foundation. As part of their course requirements, students volunteer in area agencies, conduct projects, and are involved in organizing numerous functions for various populations.