General Studies: Recreation and Outdoor Leadership Specialization with Therapeutic Recreation Focus

According to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification, “Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotion, and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life.”

Laurel Ridge’s focus in Therapeutic Recreation will provide the background knowledge needed to transfer to a 4-year institution where one would complete the courses and clinical requirements necessary to sit for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam. Upon completion of the exam, students may choose to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, non-profit organizations, parks and recreation organizations, etc.

Associate of Arts and Sciences
2 Years (Four Semesters)

Program Information and Curriculum

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Tuition and Funding Options

Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!

An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.

Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.

View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.

Transfer Statement

Laurel Ridge Community College and Shepherd University established an agreement that will allow Laurel Ridge graduates earning an associate of arts and sciences degree in general studies with a specialization in recreation and outdoor leadership to seamlessly transfer into the recreation and sports studies bachelor of science degree program at Shepherd University.

The associate of arts and sciences (AA&S) and associate of science (AS) degrees are designed to provide freshman and sophomore level course work toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. These programs require students to take essentially the same courses as required by their four-year college or university counterparts.

To help facilitate the transfer process, Laurel Ridge has created a Transfer webpage that provides detailed information such as tuition, GPA, application requirements, course equivalents, and other information that may be useful in the transfer process.

The Virginia Community College System also offers a Transfer Planning Tool through the Virginia Education Wizard.  

Laurel Ridge offers many services and programs to assist transfer students. Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of an advisor to gain additional information to plan a successful transfer experience.

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