Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation Online

Build on your experience as a therapeutic recreation provider or add a career-boosting credential that enhances your work in psychology, kinesiology or other areas of health services as you prepare to help patients of all ages achieve better health and independence.

Apply by: 4/27/26
Start class: 5/11/26 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

Prepare for a rewarding career with this online therapeutic recreation program

The online Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation from Northwest Missouri State University is aligned to national standards and provides a direct pathway to professional certification or advanced practice in therapeutic recreation – without the research and analytics requirements of a full master's degree.

In this program, you will gain key expertise in assessment, treatment planning and strength-based health intervention. Explore best practices for physical and cognitive rehabilitation while you research strategies to address social or emotional challenges impacting quality of life. Study quickly and efficiently – on your schedule – with convenient online courses available 24/7.

An optional clinical or non-clinical internship tailored to your career goals will prepare you for the national Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam.

Students pursuing the CTRS certification must complete the following prerequisite or corequisite courses: Abnormal Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Developmental Psychology (must cover the full lifespan; Child Psychology does not meet this requirement).

These courses are required for certification eligibility through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Students should also be aware that a 14-week, 560-hour internship under a certified supervisor is typically required for certification. While some working professionals may qualify to apply previous work experience hours, most students must complete the internship to meet NCTRC standards.

Upon completion of this online recreational therapy certification program, you will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of the therapeutic recreation profession
  • Apply advanced skills in the therapeutic recreation process, including assessment, treatment planning, program implementation, evaluation and documentation
  • Effectively perform managerial and administrative responsibilities within healthcare, community and rehabilitation settings
  • Advocate for the therapeutic recreation profession and for the individuals and communities it serves through inclusive and evidence-based practices
Upon completion of this online recreational therapy certification program, you will:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of the therapeutic recreation profession
  • Apply advanced skills in the therapeutic recreation process, including assessment, treatment planning, program implementation, evaluation and documentation
  • Effectively perform managerial and administrative responsibilities within healthcare, community and rehabilitation settings
  • Advocate for the therapeutic recreation profession and for the individuals and communities it serves through inclusive and evidence-based practices

Diverse career opportunities in therapeutic recreation include:

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Clinical or Behavioral Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Life Enrichment Coordinator, Long-Term Care
  • Assisted Living Activity Director
  • Adaptive Sports Program Director
  • Parks and Recreation Inclusion Specialist
  • Disability Services Coordinator, Recreation Therapy
Diverse career opportunities in therapeutic recreation include:
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Clinical or Behavioral Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Life Enrichment Coordinator, Long-Term Care
  • Assisted Living Activity Director
  • Adaptive Sports Program Director
  • Parks and Recreation Inclusion Specialist
  • Disability Services Coordinator, Recreation Therapy

Also available

Northwest also offers additional graduate programs in recreation online.

Total Tuition $9,768*
Program Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 24

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission transparency logo

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

Call 844-890-9304

Tuition

Learn about tuition costs for the therapeutic recreation certification

Our recreation therapy certificate online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
Therapeutic Rec Grad Cert $407 $1,221 $9,768

Important Refund Information

2nd day of class Last date for 100% refund for dropped course
4th day of class Last date for 75% refund for dropped course
6th day of class Last date for 50% refund for dropped course
8th day of class Last date for 25% refund for dropped course

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $9,768*
Per Credit Hour $407

Calendar

Discover important dates and deadlines

The Northwest online recreational therapy certification program is delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer 15/11/264/27/264/30/265/4/265/6/266/26/26
Summer 26/29/266/12/266/17/266/22/266/24/268/14/26
Fall 18/24/268/10/268/13/268/17/268/19/2610/9/26
Fall 210/19/2610/5/2610/8/2610/12/2610/14/2612/4/26

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 4/27/26
Next Class Start Date: 5/11/26
Ready to take the next steps toward

earning your degree?

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Admissions

Review admission guidelines for the therapeutic recreation certification

At Northwest, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the recreation therapy certificate online program, including any additional materials you need and where you should send them.

View all admission requirements +

To apply for this program, you must meet these requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses (3 credits minimum for each course):
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology (or Human Development)
    • Anatomy and Physiology (together or separate courses)
  • Applicants who have not completed the prerequisite courses prior to program entry are required to successfully complete the remaining deficiencies during their program of study. These three courses are required by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification for national certification as a CTRS. Students must submit a program of study that includes these three courses to the program director during their first semester in the program.

Official transcripts can be emailed to [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:

Graduate Office
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Click here for State Authorization information.

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.


Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university
  • GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Courses

Explore therapeutic recreation online coursework at Northwest

For the Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation online program, the curriculum is comprised of eight courses (24 credit hours), with 18 credit hours of required courses and six credit hours of electives.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to familiarize students with existing trends in therapeutic recreation programming, to discuss current legal issues, current societal attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, trends within the healthcare delivery system and other current trends and issues related to therapeutic recreation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to general managerial functions and useful theories in administration of Therapeutic Recreation programs. Major topics include financial management, personnel (including volunteers and interns) management, quality improvement, and marketing.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed for graduate-/advanced-level students studying Therapeutic Recreation. In Psychological Aspects of Therapeutic Recreation, various psychology-based theories and frameworks relevant to the application of therapeutic recreation practice and interventions will be explored. Students will develop a detailed understanding of presented theories and apply this knowledge as they develop therapeutic recreation interventions that are intended to enhance the psychological well-being of clients.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course will provide an overview of (1) the basic concepts associated with psychometric assessment, (2) a variety of individual client assessments used in practice and (3) the use of therapeutic recreation assessments in the development of individualized treatment/program plans. Prerequisite(s): REC 45243 or REC 45345 or REC 45621 or permission of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers students opportunities to explore how to strengthen the quality of therapeutic recreation programming through grounding in recreational theories and concepts. Students will learn how to better design recreational experiences, increase participation rates, document outcomes, and assess the strengths and limitations of their clients. Course content will expand on basic programming concepts and include higher level, philosophical and critical thinking of how to best meet the needs of the persons served while providing them with what they want.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course is designed to promote the exploration of therapeutic recreation practice from a strengths-based approach. Practice models, theories, and the therapeutic recreation process will be examined from the strengths perspective. Implications related to a paradigm shift from traditional medical models toward the strengths approach will be explored. Practical application will be the focus of discussion assignments, weekly written assignments, and exams. Students will also examine implications for their own professional development, their personal philosophy for practice, and future professional goals.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Acquaints students with the vocabulary, concept and practices in the study of grants administration and management. Enables practicing the skills necessary in obtaining outside funding and provides awareness of the individual roles and agencies within public funding.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to give students a basic understanding of their legal responsibilities as teachers, coaches, trainers and recreation professionals to provide a safe environment for those they serve and to develop an understanding of the law and how it may apply to the rights of students, special populations, women and coworkers.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge regarding the Therapeutic Recreation profession to those who are transitioning into the profession from other fields of study. The course content consists of an overview of therapeutic recreation concepts, philosophies, techniques, and areas of practice. Strategies for professional development and associated credentialing requirements are introduced, as well as various other vocational resources such as professional organizations and associated CEU mechanisms. Through this course, students will become better positioned to excel as a therapeutic recreation professional.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1-3
Supervised off-campus professional field experience in appropriate agencies or other approved settings. Available in emphasis areas: park/recreation administration, recreational sports administration, therapeutic recreation, campus recreation, armed forces recreation, outdoor recreation, and resource management.

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Northwest Missouri State University ranked #20 among the “Top Public Schools, Regional Universities Midwest” according to U.S. News & World Report (2025)

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