Therapeutic Recreation is the link between leisure and health improvement, using recreation as a way to improve quality of life. Therapeutic Recreation graduates use leisure activities to improve health and life quality in patients, for example in rehabilitation centres and psychiatric units, special schools, day care centres, aged care facilities, or in local government or community settings. The program combines theory and practice in learning, education programming, aged care, disability and mental health with a comprehensive foundation of the health sciences to develop the professional competencies important for ethical and multidisciplinary practice. Evidence-based practice is one of the most important requirements in healthcare today and a strong feature of the program. There is room for electives in areas of individual interest, allowing a richer experience of university life, or to create a double major from Health Services Management or Health Promotion. The Bachelor of Health Science (Therapeutic Recreation) course has professional accreditation with the Diversional Therapy Association of Australia (opens in new window)Opens in a new window. Graduates from this course are qualified to work as Diversional Therapists.

Diversional Therapist A Diversional therapists works with people of all ages and abilities to design and facilitate recreation and leisure programs for individuals in health centres and in the community. Activities are designed to support, challenge and enhance the the psychological, spiritual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals. Leisure Therapist Leisure Therapists work with the specialised application of recreation and experiential interventions that assist in maintaining or improving health status, functional capabilities and ultimately the quality of life of people. Leisure Therapy treatment services are designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person's level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness, as well as to reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disability in health care and rehabilitation settings. Recreation Officer Recreation officers develop, support and coordinate sport and recreation programs and services for the benefit of communities. Recreation Officers work in government, community organisation, schools, commercial organisations and outdoor recreation associations. Recreation Therapists Recreation therapists work with people who have physical, mental, emotional, cognitive or social limitations that can affect their attitude, ability and motivation to participate in leisure activities. Recreation therapists help to remove barriers that prevent clients from participating in meaningful leisure. This is undertaken through evidence-based interventions, adaptive equipment, educating patients about the benefits of recreation and helping them practice skills to improve their ability to participate in recreation and leisure activities.