Universities with Ph.D.'s in RT?

I recently looked over a list of universities with RT curricula. The only ones that seemed to offer Ph.D. programs were Clemson, Indiana, Oklahoma State, and Temple. Can this be correct?

At one time a number of universities had Ph.D. programs. Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Penn State all produced a great number of Ph.D.s. But these schools no longer offer Ph.D. programs in RT.

I fear that our universities today do not supply enough scholars to provide our university RT programs with well-prepared RT faculty to produce research and scholarship for the profession. Isn't this a crisis? Are others concerned?

Call for Presentations -- National Symposium, University of Utah

"This Land Is Your Land: Toward a Better Understanding of Nature's Resiliency-Building and Restorative Power for Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans, and their Families"

A National Symposium, September 17-20, 2014
University of Utah Guest House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Co-Sponsored by the Sierra Club, the Veterans Administration, the National Ability Center, Wasatch Adaptive Sports, and the University of Utah's National Center for Veterans Studies, Veterans Student Affairs Office, and Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

Overview
The purpose of this symposium is to bring together a variety of individuals and organizations dedicated to providing nature-based resiliency-building and restorative experiences for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families. We expect delegates to include social scientists researching the resiliency-building and restorative power of nature-based experiences, representatives from a cross section of organizations providing nature-based outings, and interested others from across the allied health professions. The symposium's content will be driven by four broad questions: 1) What does the research tell us about nature-based experiences' contributions to building resiliency against trauma in Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families? 2) What can we learn from existing programs and practices about how best to conduct nature-based outings for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families? 3) What does the research tell us about nature's healing power for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families? and 4) What are the research challenges and funding opportunities to further our understanding of nature's resiliency-building and healing power for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families?

The symposium will include an opening social and keynote on Wednesday evening, September 17th, 2014 followed by three days of plenary sessions with luncheon keynotes, and a banquet and closing keynote on Saturday, September 20th. A block of rooms at modest prices will be reserved at the University Guest House on the University of Utah's campus for symposium delegates, and three lunches and two dinners will be included as part of a modest symposium registration fee ($150 for students, $300 for all other early bird registrants [before April 15, 2014], and $400 for late registrants [after April 15, 2014]).

We will welcome paper/presentation proposals for the symposium until June 1st, 2013. Please submit a proposal detailing your paper/presentation in 500 words or less with your contact information electronically to Dr. Dan Dustin, Chair, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, University of Utah . Authors of selected proposals will have approximately one year to polish their paper for presentation and publication in book form following the symposium (Sagamore Publishing, LLC)). We are interested in proposals that reflect sound studies (responding to questions #1 and #3 above), best practices (responding to question #2 above), and needed research directions (responding to question #4 above). The symposium's planning team will review all proposals and select 24 that best reflect attempts to seek answers to questions #1, #2, #3, and #4. We will notify everyone submitting proposals of the status of their submission by June 15, 2013, so the authors of the accepted proposals can begin work on preparing the best possible paper for presentation and publication.

Please direct any questions to Dr. Dan Dustin via the above email address or phone (801-585-7560). On behalf of the planning team, I thank you for your interest in our symposium.

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Les Brown

New Faculty Announced for Grand Valley State

From: Teresa M. Beck Ph.D, CTRS, Chair, Department of Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Sciences:

The Therapeutic Recreation Program at Grand Valley State University is pleased to announce our faculty hires for Fall 2013. First, Susan Sunden, who has been with our TR program for two years as a visiting clinical affiliate faculty member has been hired as regular clinical affiliate faculty. Sue’s primary responsibility is clinical placement coordination and her background is in pediatrics and in physical disability. Second, Dr. Dawn DeVries has been hired to fill our tenure track position. Dawns’ background in aging, health care administration, and public policy will add breadth to our program.

Hugging is Good Medicine

Item from Facebook...

Visiting Position at OSU

Please, take a moment to review the Visiting Professor Position in Recreational Therapy at Oklahoma State University. Interested individuals should have a minimum of a MS degree and the professional credential of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Also, please take a moment to review the link below which will provide interested individuals a view inside our Recreational Therapy program’s Warm Water Therapy Lab one of 3 practical experiences provided for our Recreational Therapy students.


http://education.okstate.edu/about-the-college/news/817-warm-water

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Tim Passmore at tim.passmore@okstate.edu

RT Opening at VA Black Hills Health Care System

From Debbie Pate, M.S., CTRS:

VA Black Hills Health Care System in Hot Springs, South Dakota, located in the beautiful Black Hills, is seeking a Recreation Therapist for their Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addictions and/or homelessness. Position is full-time (Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), permanent and at the GS-10 level (starts at $52,252 annually, tops at $67,931 annually).
Duties include overall responsibility for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive recreation therapy program for veterans with a variety of disabilities including, but not limited to, PTSD, addictions, homelessness, TBI, musculoskeletal injuries/pain, depression, bipolar and social dysfunction.
Qualifications include Bachelors in TR or Recreation with TR emphasis, fluency in English and 1 year of full-time experience qualifying experience, which includes: applying the theories, principles, practices and procedures related to Recreation Therapy; applying knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of recreational therapy that involves the use of therapeutic approaches, either to maintain the physical and/or mental health or to achieve the physical and/or mental rehabilitation of persons; obtaining information from patients to assess individual needs; developing and implementing individual treatment programs; coordinating treatment with other professional staff; reviewing and evaluating patient goal achievement and progress; and planning and implementing recreational activities for large groups of individuals. Also required is NCTRC certification. A combination of advanced education (masters or doctorate) and experience is acceptable.

The application process includes rating you on the following assessment questions:

1. Ability to evaluate and assess patients for appropriate treatment.
2. Ability to assess aptitudes and interests of patients.
3. Ability to administer treatment plans to a variety of patients.
4. Ability to manage resources for recreational activities.

Working as a recreation therapist in the Black Hills allows you a multitude of natural and cultural resources to assist you in your community reentry interventions. These include national and state parks, national and private monuments, rivers, reservoirs, grasslands, Native American cultural activities, tourist activities and much more. In addition, the Black Hills is a wonderful place to live and raise a family with 4 distinct seasons, mild winters (as compared to eastern South Dakota), small towns and beautiful natural areas, farms and ranches.

For more information or to apply, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/341979100. I will be happy to answer any of your questions that I am able.

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." Albert Einstein

May is Mental Health Month

Celebrate mental health awareness month in May.

466 Now on ATRAnet

I just saw that there are 466 now on ATRAnet -- the listserv for ATRA. I hope the number keeps growing!

RT Position Opening in OK

From Mark Whittemore:


The Autumn Life Center has a full time position available for a RT/Activity Therapist, in Edmond, Oklahoma. The unit is being remodeled and will be serving up to 17 geropsychiatric patients.


Those interested should send resume's to:
OU Medical Center Edmond
Autumn Life Center
1 South Bryant
Edmond, Oklahoma 73034
C/O Sharniece Snyder
********

Sincerely,
Mark Whittemore

Call for Presenters, Pacific Northwest Workshop

Call for Presenters

Pacific Northwest ATRA Gerontology Workshop
Friday, July 19th, 2013
Friendsview Retirement Community, Newberg, Or

Greetings! The Board of Directors for the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association is seeking submissions to present at our upcoming workshop on Friday July 19, 2013 at Friendsview Retirement Community in Newberg, Oregon. Newberg, Or is just 40 minutes from Portland, Or. This workshop will provide sessions that will give recreation therapists, activity directors, wellness coordinators, life enrichment coordinators, and other healthcare professionals working in long term care practical ideas and information that can apply to their programs.

Presentation Topic Suggestions: Intervention techniques, evidence based practice, fitness programs, brain fitness programs, art programs, music programs, or other topics related to activities, wellness, and recreation programming in long term care.

Presentation Submission Deadline: April 26, 2013

Proposal Requirements:
• Presenter biography and contact information including address, phone, and email.
• Presentation description including three measurable learning objectives and how the presentation fits the theme of the conference.
• Presentation outline including length of presentation.
• Audio/visual needs list
• Submit any requests for accommodations, travel, presentation support, or speaking stipends.

Proposal Submission: For questions and proposal submissions, please send required proposal documents to Rachel Gorman, President-Elect at pnwatra@gmail.com.

Visiting Professor Position at OSU

From Tim Passmore, Ed.D., CTRS/L, Associate Professor, School of Applied Health & Educational Psychology, Oklahoma State University:

There is a Visiting Assistant/Associate Professor opening in therapeutic recreation available at Oklahoma State University for the fall of 2013.

The application deadline is April 15th.

For information contact:
Professor Tim Passmore
tim.passmore@okstate.edu
(405) 744-1811

2013 ATRA Board Nominations Due Soon

From Laurie Jake:


An important reminder, ATRA is currently seeking Nominations for the 2013 Board of Directors. To nominate yourself or another member, submit a candidate information form along with requested supporting documents. The candidate will also be asked to complete an intent to serve form. The deadline to submit is April 15, 2013. A President-Elect serves for two years, one as President-Elect and one as President. All other positions are for a three-year term except Chapter Affiliate Council Chair which serves as Chair-Elect for 1 year and Chair for the second year.


To access forms please visit the ATRA website. For more information please contact the Nominations Chair Laurie Jake at azlaurie23@cox.net

Webcasting of Keynotes from CTRA Available

FROM FACEBOOK FRIEND ERICA:


Did you know that if you are unable to attend the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association conference in Montreal this May 2013, you can still attend the opening and closing keynote addresses for only 70$? That's right! Hear our opening keynote DAVID AUSTIN and our closing keynote NORMA STUMBO via the webcasting option for one low price!! More details are found on the registration form. Click here for more details: http://www.canadian-tr.org/CTRA-Conference-2013

National Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month.

Teaching Positions at East Carolina

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at East Carolina University is pleased to invite applicants for two 9-month fixed-term positions. The positions are instructional in nature, with no research expectations. The initial screening date is April 8, 2013—we will screen until the positions are filled. please contact Dr. Richard Williams with any questions: williamsri@ecu.edu


----------------------------------------------------------
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Teaching Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor—2 positions
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
Effective: August 12, 2013

RESPONSIBILITIES. The successful candidates for these 9-month full-time, fixed-term temporary positions will be primarily responsible for teaching core courses in the undergraduate curricula with opportunities for instruction at the graduate level. Undergraduate degrees include Recreation and Park Management and Recreational Therapy; graduate degrees share similar focuses. In addition to instruction, institutional service is expected.

QUALIFICATIONS. Master’s or doctoral degree with at least one graduate degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services, Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy, or related field is required. Relevant college/university teaching experience, distance education teaching experience, professional practice experience, and appropriate professional credentialing are desired.

THE UNIVERSITY. Voted recently as one of the top 135 universities in the southeast by the Princeton Review, East Carolina University is the third largest institution in the University of North Carolina System. It is located in Greenville, approximately 90 miles east of the Research Triangle Park and 60 miles west of the Outer Banks and coastal resorts. A city of approximately 85,000, Greenville is within a five-hour drive of Washington, DC and it serves as the educational, cultural, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. A faculty of over 1,867 guide approximately 27,700 students enrolled in 104 Bachelor, 72 Master, 18 Doctoral, and 2 Medical Professional degree tracks. It is a Carnegie Doctoral Research Intensive university and consists of 12 colleges/professional schools, including the recognized Brody School of Medicine.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE. The College of Health and Human Performance is home to five departments: Health Education and Promotion, Exercise and Sports Science, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Military Science (US Army ROTC), and Aerospace Studies (US Air Force ROTC). The College employs a full-time instructional technology consultant.

THE DEPARTMENT. One of three departments within the College of Health and Human Performance, the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is comprised of 18 full-time faculty members including eight Licensed Recreational Therapists/Certified TR Specialists. The RCLS curriculum has approximately 230 undergraduate majors. The master’s programs offers degrees in Recreational Therapy Administration and Recreation and Park Administration, as well as graduate certificates in Biofeedback and Aquatic Therapy. The department ishome to the Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Lab, and the Sensory Observation Lab. Please visit www.ecu.edu/rcls for more information about the department.

SALARY. Salary is competitive and commensurate with professional background and experience.

APPLICATIONS. Screening for Applicants will begin on April 8 2013 and will continue until filled. All applications must be submitted on-line at: https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp

Instructions for filing the application and other candidate information can be found at this site. For questions regarding the application process, please contact ECU Human Resources at http://www.ecu.edu/hr/. For questions about thespecific position, contact Dr. Richard Williams at williamsri@ecu.edu or 252-328-0019.

AJRT Call for Mansucripts

American Journal of Recreation Therapy, an independent double-blind peer-reviewed print and online journal, welcomes papers for publication related to research, theory, and current trends and issues in the field, including legal and regulatory matters. We also consider letters to the editor, guest editorials, and book reviews. Original manuscripts that contribute to the field of recreational therapy in the management of rehabilitation and quality of life for persons with disabilities of all ages are welcome. Individuals desiring to contribute are invited to make inquires, even if unfamiliar with the procedures for writing and submitting manuscripts. Our goal is to provide original, relevant, and timely information from diverse sources; to write and publish with absolute integrity; and to serve as effectively as possible the needs of those involved in recreation therapy.
Manuscripts are accepted for review as original clinical or basic science research, case reports, clinical reviews, literature reviews, practical application, inservice updates and letters to the editor. Manuscript submission is handled electronically. For author guidelines and additional instructions or to submit a manuscript, please follow our manuscript page link or please visit the journal's webpage, www.recreationtherapy.org.

American Journal of Recreation Therapy is the journal of record in the field and features a distinguished Editorial Review Board led by Editor-In-Chief, Professor Nancy E. Richeson, PhD, CTRS. Dr. Richeson has a long standing reputation as a leader in the challenging field of recreation therapy.

As Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Richeson guides the journal's leadership role during changing times for health and human service professionals. We are actively seeking papers dealing with all aspects of recreation therapy.

Free Resources via Indiana University Library

I thought this might be a good time to remind colleagues of “free stuff” available online via the Indiana University Library.

Available via streaming are all 23 of the Recreation Therapy Videos (RTV videos). Many use these in university courses and with in-service training.

The other free resource is a glossary I authored that has been used in university courses and has also become a favorite resource for those preparing for the NCTRC exam.

The addresses for the RTV videos and Glossary follow:

RTV videos are available via streaming from the Indiana University Library at https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/handle/2022/3378

My Glossary of Recreation Therapy and Occupational Therapy is available at http://hdl.handle.net/2022/6474

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats." Voltaire