U of U Recreational Therapy

U of U Recreational Therapy Recreational Therapy education Recreational Therapy Education

🌟 SATURDAY STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟Brooklyn Anderson is a proud graduate of the University of Utah’s Recreational Therapy (RT...
01/25/2026

🌟 SATURDAY STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Brooklyn Anderson is a proud graduate of the University of Utah’s Recreational Therapy (RT) program, and her journey is one to celebrate! Reflecting on her experience, Brooklyn shares how grateful she is for the University of Utah and the RT faculty who helped her grow into the professional she is today. Since her very first day in the program, she has learned, challenged herself, and developed a deep passion for mental and behavioral health—one that will continue to guide her as she pursues lifelong learning and service.
During her recreational therapy internship with Primary Children's Wasatch Canyons Behavioral Health, Brooklyn discovered what makes RT so powerful:
✨ Understanding the impact of RT—supporting patients as they build skills, confidence, and independence.
✨ Building meaningful rapport—creating space for connection, expression, and authentic participation.
✨ Sharing laughter—with both patients and staff, because joy is a powerful therapeutic tool.

Brooklyn also witnessed firsthand how Recreational Therapy advocates for the individuals it serves:
“Recreational Therapy helps individuals build confidence, connection, and independence. Every activity invites patients to think creatively, express themselves, and participate with purpose. RT provides hands-on, experiential opportunities where individuals can practice new skills in a safe and supportive environment.”

We are so proud of Brooklyn and excited to see the impact she will continue to make in the mental and behavioral health community. Congratulations, Brooklyn! 🎉

✨ Pajama Day = Finals Done Right! ✨For our  , we are reminiscing about finals week last semester when our 2nd-year Recre...
01/22/2026

✨ Pajama Day = Finals Done Right! ✨

For our , we are reminiscing about finals week last semester when our 2nd-year Recreational Therapy students brought the comfy vibes to campus with Pajama Day! Finals can be stressful—but our students know how to balance hard work with self-care! ❤️ It was a unique way to de-stress, connect, and support one another. We’re proud to foster a program that values creativity, wellness, and a little fun along the way.

🌟 SATURDAY STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟Thobeka Talbot recently completed her recreational therapy internship at ScenicView Academ...
01/17/2026

🌟 SATURDAY STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Thobeka Talbot recently completed her recreational therapy internship at ScenicView Academy in Provo — a transition school supporting and empowering young adults with autism as they build independence in social skills, leisure education, and resilience.

During her internship, Thobeka shared that the students were truly the highlight of her experience. She described them as amazing and uplifting. She also loved being part of a recreational therapy team that continually pushed forward to improve and provide the highest-quality services.

Her experience reinforced what ScenicView students show every day: neurodiverse young adults are strong, flexible, and perseverant. Her time there opened her eyes to their valuable perspectives and limitless potential. 💛

We’re proud to spotlight Thobeka and the meaningful work she accomplished!

We are excited to share that Stacy Rawlings, a senior in our BS RT program, has been selected to receive the Steve Bell ...
01/14/2026

We are excited to share that Stacy Rawlings, a senior in our BS RT program, has been selected to receive the Steve Bell Internship Assistance Scholarship for Spring 2026.

Stacy is currently completing her internship in a behavioral health setting working with individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders and will graduate in May. This scholarship provides valuable support to one of our exceptional students during this intensive training period.

Congratulations, Stacy!

We are grateful to Dr. Steve Bell for establishing this new scholarship when he retired last year. Dr Bell was a strong advocate for quality RT internship experiences during his time at the University of Utah. This scholarship continues his legacy of supporting RT students as they begin the important and exciting journey into professional practice.

Last semester, our second-year cohort headed to the amazing  Ability Center (NAC) for an unforgettable experience. 🏹 We ...
01/13/2026

Last semester, our second-year cohort headed to the amazing Ability Center (NAC) for an unforgettable experience. 🏹 We toured their beautiful grounds, learned how adaptive archery works, and discovered the incredible equipment that makes this sport accessible for everyone.

The best part? We got to try it out ourselves! 🎯 Thank you NAC for being wonderful hosts!

🎉 Welcome back, Recreational Therapy students! Spring 2026 is here, and we’re excited for a semester full of learning, g...
01/06/2026

🎉 Welcome back, Recreational Therapy students! Spring 2026 is here, and we’re excited for a semester full of learning, growth, and meaningful experiences. 🎉

Let’s make it unforgettable! 🌟

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉We hope all of our Recreational Therapy students enjoyed a well-deserved break. We’re excited to welc...
01/03/2026

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

We hope all of our Recreational Therapy students enjoyed a well-deserved break. We’re excited to welcome you back - classes start next week on Monday, January 5.

Get ready for an amazing semester ahead. See you soon!

🌟One of the second-year cohort’s favorite clinical experiences is the lived experience panels. 🌟 Panelists sustained a s...
12/24/2025

🌟One of the second-year cohort’s favorite clinical experiences is the lived experience panels. 🌟

Panelists sustained a spinal cord injury, a stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Before each panels students received classroom instruction. Having individuals who live with a spinal cord injury, stroke, or brain injury speak to our students has helped fostered a deeper understanding of what an individual with a disability goes through, fosters empathy, and challenges students’ stereotypes. Students are able to reflect and think critically about how a recreational therapist can provide support for individuals with these diagnoses.

Thank you to our incredible panelists for sharing your stories and inspiring future professionals! 🙌

Interprofessional education prepares students from different disciplines to learn about, from, and with each other to fo...
12/22/2025

Interprofessional education prepares students from different disciplines to learn about, from, and with each other to foster collaborative practice which is to improve client health care outcomes. The second-year cohort learned safe transfer techniques from second year physical therapy students. Being able to know how to safely support an individual as they are walking or needing to transfer is an essential skill when working in physical rehabilitation. Thank you to Physical Therapy for helping us learn these skills.

What a smashing good time! 🏉🏀 We partnered with Salt Lake County Adaptive to learn and play wheelchair basketball and ru...
12/18/2025

What a smashing good time! 🏉🏀 We partnered with Salt Lake County Adaptive to learn and play wheelchair basketball and rugby—and wow, it was amazing! Huge thanks for the opportunity to learn about these two sports and how individuals with disabilities utilize the different chairs and adaptive equipment.

📣Don't Forget! Our MS RT Information Session is TOMORROW! 📣Interested in learning more about the MS in Recreational Ther...
12/15/2025

📣Don't Forget! Our MS RT Information Session is TOMORROW! 📣

Interested in learning more about the MS in Recreational Therapy program at the University of Utah? Attend our information session tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th at 5:30 pm (Mountain Time).

https://utah.zoom.us/j/81184140109

Questions? Contact Kelly Brown at Kelly.brown@hsc.utah.edu

Dr. Yongseop Kim gave an inspiring presentation recently to U Asia Campus students majoring in Communication and Psychol...
12/11/2025

Dr. Yongseop Kim gave an inspiring presentation recently to U Asia Campus students majoring in Communication and Psychology, introducing Recreational Therapy and exploring career opportunities in healthcare. 🌿 It was an engaging and informative session for students preparing to join the University of Utah next semester! 🎓✨

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520 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT
84108

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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