Course Recognition for Universities
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN SYDNEY
From 2021, Western Sydney University is excited to launch its new Bachelor of Health Science (Recreational Therapy) course. Complete the course full-time in 3 years or in part-time mode. You can study at Campbelltown, Sydney City campus or complete the course fully online. The Recreational Therapy course at Western is accredited by the Australian Recreation Therapy Association.
Prospective students with certificate or diploma qualifications in leisure and health are encouraged to enrol. Credit for this prior study may be granted depending on when this was completed. Previous work experience may also be considered.
Graduates can work as recreational therapists, diversional therapists, recreation officers, and other exciting roles that use leisure and other tools to improve health and quality of life. Graduates can work in rehabilitation centres, psychiatric units, special schools, day care centres, aged care facilities, disability services and in a range of government, community services settings or private enterprises. The program combines theory and practice in leisure, education, psychology, management, aged care, disability and mental health, with a comprehensive foundation of the health sciences. Students will develop the professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice and high-quality care, and the skills to work in multidisciplinary teams. Evidence-based practice is one of the most important trends in healthcare today and is a strong feature of the program. You will also have opportunities to develop clinical reasoning, problem-solving and research skills through project-based and work-integrated learning experiences throughout the course.
Students can combine this major in Recreational Therapy with minor studies in Leisure for Diverse Groups, Health Promotion, Public Health, Health Management Practice, Sport Development and Global Sustainability. These study options help diversify graduate skills. The course includes 160 hours of compulsory practical placement in second year and a third-year internship of 560 hours - meeting the practice placement requirement for eligibility as a Certified Recreation Therapist with the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The course is working toward accreditation with the Committee on Accreditation for Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE) in 2023.
For more information contact Dr Nicole Peel n.peel@westernsydney.edu.au or Dr Caterina Tannous c.tannous@westernsydney.edu.au
Subjects studied:
- Professional Competencies in Health
- Population Health and Society
- Anatomy and Physiology in Health
- Foundations of Recreational Therapy
- Evidence in Health
- Communication in Health
- Human Development and Disease across the Lifespan
- Introduction to Leisure and Recreation Theory
- Culture Diversity and Health
- Psychology and Health
- Recreational Therapy Process and Planning
- Recreational Therapy Assessment
- Facilitation in Recreational Therapy
- Movement and Skill Development
- Transforming Health
- Health Practice Management
- Abnormal Psychology
- Shaping the Future of Recreational Therapy
- Recreational Therapy Internship
Plus 4 electives or a minor of your choice in Leisure for Diverse Groups, Health Promotion, Public Health, Health Management Practice, Sport Development and Global Sustainability