Internships with Recreational Therapy

Recreational Therapy is an integral part of a patient’s rehabilitation process while at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The team works closely with other allied health professionals to devise treatment objectives that can range from leisure skills development and adaptive equipment training, to community reintegration and leisure education. Based on an initial leisure assessment, a treatment plan is developed to address rehabilitation goals, and encourage return to safe recreation and leisure participation.

A student accepting an internship with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Recreational Therapy program will gain valuable experience working directly with patients with a variety of diagnoses including; spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions, amputations, and burns.

Internships with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Recreational Therapy program are limited to senior-level undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Recreation Therapy (or Therapeutic Recreation) who are seeking completion of their capstone internship, and NCTRC certification after graduation. This internship follows all guidelines and requirements set forth by NCTRC. Students must commit to a 14-week internship, totaling a minimum of 560 hours. Students are required to complete a major long-term project which aids in enhancing the delivery of services provided by the recreational therapy program.

Students are selected by the Recreational Therapy internship coordinator. Each student will be assigned a Recreational Therapist who maintains CTRS credentials as their direct supervisor. Students will work alongside their direct supervisors while at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Students are required to secure their own housing for the duration of their internship. Please note that Shirley Ryan AbilityLab does not provide housing or stipends for students.