Therapeutic Recreation

American Therapeutic Recreation Association

            http://www.atra-tr.org

ATRA is the largest U.S. organization for recreation therapists. Students can find excellent resources on available scholarships, job openings and a list of academic programs for therapeutic recreation.

Aquatic Resources Network

            http://www.aquaticnet.com

Aquatic network members are provided with access to dozens of online articles and resources on aquatic therapy. Aquatic professionals can find useful videos or books on how to start an aquatic practice or the health benefits of aquatic therapy.

Association for Experiential Education

            http://www.aee.org

In the early 1970s, a group of concerned educators met to discuss how to make teaching more relevant for students. From these meetings, a network was created to help members develop professionally, find employment, and apply the theories of experiential education in their work environment.

Child Life Council

            http://www.childlife.org

The child life profession has been around since the 1920’s in hospitals and in children centers. Their mission was to improve health care and protect the safety and welfare of children. They meet this charge by encouraging play, parental involvement and educational programs. Child life specialists go through a rigorous educational program and certification process before they can use the title of “child life specialist.”

National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification

            http://www.nctrc.org

The National Council on Therapeutic Certification is a nationally, recognized organization that is responsible for the certification of over 16,000 recreation therapists. Students who are about to graduate should use this resource for additional information on the certification process.