Fieldwork & Internships

As a recreational therapy major, you will gain hands-on experience at a variety of facilities, including community recreation centers, hospitals and nursing care facilities. Internships allow you to fulfill your major requirements while also helping you develop the hands-on experience that makes you more attractive to potential employers. Student internship placements have occured at a wide range of institutions, including the American DanceWheels Foundation, the Nationalities Service Center, the Philadelphia Autism Project, the Philadelphia Public Health Department and the Temple University Health System, among others.

The program includes two internships. The first is a 150-hour placement at an off-campus health or human services organization. The second involves a 600-hour, off-campus placement that lasts the entire semester and meets the internship requirements for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Learn more about fieldwork requirements.

In addition to fieldwork, students must also complete 70 hours of professional development or volunteer experiences related to recreational therapy.