Campus Connection

Program earns national recognition for contributions to the field

UWL’s Therapeutic Recreation Program received the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Excellence in Education award.  

The award goes to clinical agency or institution of higher education that has distinguished itself through outstanding contributions to the Recreation Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation profession. Only one program nationally earns the award each year.  

UWL’s program has distinguished itself in a number of ways including: 

• Received the Program of Merit for Health Professions designation from the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. 
• Established a 4 + 1 graduate program in fall 2018, which provides an alternative and faster option to earn a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation.  
• Assisted in the development of the Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Chapter Affiliate, a state professional organization that is associated with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).  
• Attracted faculty into the program who are committed to scholarship and the professional development of students. 

About ATRA 

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the only national membership organization representing the interests and needs of therapeutic recreation specialists, also known as recreational therapists. Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who plan, direct, deliver, and evaluate recreation-based interventions for individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions. They provide research-informed interventions that are based on client assessments and targeted client outcomes.