Internships

Internships

Interested in finding an internship for academic advancement or experience? Check out these facilities that take internship placements within the state of Utah and other. Simply click the down arrow next to each facility title to read detailed  information for each facility. Professionals interested in posting their internship opportunity may click the button below. 

National Ability Center Internships

Gain professional experience and knowledge with hands-on experience in all aspects of community-based therapeutic recreation with an internship at the National Ability Center! Programs include summer day and overnight camps, equestrian (adaptive horseback riding and equine assisted learning), archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, paddle sports, watersports, cycling, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter snow biking, ski & snowboard, sled hockey, family & group programming, military programs, social and life skills programs, and more! For application deadlines, internship dates and how to apply, please visit discovernac.org.


Type:

Year round


Minimum Requirements:

Current student within a Therapeutic Recreation program or immediate graduate.

Current CPR and First Aid Certification (must be current for duration of internship).

Commitment to a positive, fun and team-oriented working environment.

Working knowledge of National Ability Center policies and procedures (upon training).

Completion of a Utah State background check & valid driver’s license.

Basic computer processing skills including Microsoft Office.

Experience with people of all abilities, programming and safety needs.

Ability to give and receive feedback in a positive manner.

Commitment to all responsibilities and expectations.

Ability to help transfer people in and out equipment (lifting required).

Ability to withstand long hours in the outdoors.


Application Deadline:

March 1 for Summer; June 1 for Fall; September 1st for Winter


Contact Name:

Andrea Stack:  andreas@discovernac.org


Application Email / Phone / URL:

discovernac.org/ways-to-give/intern/#intern-applications


Location:

Park City, UT

Bella Terra Nursing and Rehab Internships

Bella Terra Skilled Nursing and Rehab is seeking a motivated and creative Recreational Therapy Intern to join our amazing team! This internship meets all the NCTRC requirements for certification in all the job analysis task areas. Bella Terra Skilled Nursing and Rehab is a 180-bed Skilled Nursing Facility nestled in the beautiful red-rock mountains of St. George, UT, just minutes from several National Parks and tourist attractions. Bella Terra accepts Short-Term Rehab and Long-Term Care Residents. We offer private and shared options for rooming. We are a growing facility, with only 1/3 of our beds filled, so far, and myriad opportunities for career placement. We offer Community Dining options, a secure Memory Care unit, and an open Rehabilitative Gym where restorative therapies are practiced. There are also several outdoor patios accessible from various areas of the facility.  


Internship Description


Responsibilities: Use APIED process to engage in Recreational Therapy: 


Benefits


Qualifications


Application Deadline:

Ongoing


Contact:

Charity Payne, CTRS

385 309 8560 (call/text)

Charity@bellaterranursing.com (email)


Application Instructions:

Contact Charity to learn more or express interest!


Location:

Saint George, UT

The Homestead Senior Living Internships

Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills they have acquired in their university course work as well as gain exposure and demonstrate competence in all job tasks of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist as outlined in the NCTRC Job Analysis. Interns will gain knowledge through experience with the therapeutic recreation process. Under the supervision of our CTRS and Activities Coordinators, students will become a practicing member of our team. Students selected to complete their internship at the Homestead will gain experience with memory care, assisted living, and independent living geriatric populations. 


Qualifications


Application Deadline:

3 months prior to potential start of internship 


Contact:

Heather Luthy 

Hbmcdaniel14@gmail.com

(936)212-1982


Application Instructions:

Email Heather by email hbmcdaniel14@gmail.com for an internship application OR complete a job application on the Homesteads website (https://thehomesteadliving.com/) and specify you need a TR internship under a CTRS. 


Location:

Rexburg, Idaho

New Haven Residential Treatment Center Internships

New Haven has a vision of a world where every young person makes peace with their past, thrives in the present, and creates a hopeful future hand in hand with their family. As a New Haven Rec. Therapy intern you will gain experience in planning and implementing interventions. You will learn to run group therapy sessions and individual sessions as well as family sessions. You will have the opportunity to attend and be an active member in treatment team meetings. You will gain experience in planning and executing adventure days such as rappelling, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. 

Minimum Requirements


Contact Name:

Tammy Silva - tammys@newhavenrtc.org


Application Instructions

Send a resume to tammys@newhavenrtc.org to schedule a time to interview.


Location:

Saratoga Springs or Spanish Fork

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures Internships

Common Ground works to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for adults and youths with disabilities. Our population ranges from ages 3-99 and includes individuals with cognitive, mental, and physical disabilities. 


Job Responsibilities 


Qualifications: 


Minimum Requirements:

1-pass a background check

2-have a valid driver's license

3-complete necessary coursework


Application Deadline:

1- full year position

3- summer positions


Contact Name:

SaQuoyah Boxx; saquoyah@cgadventures.org


Application Instructions:

Email resume and cover letter to saquoyah@cgadventures.org


Location:

Logan, UT

Scenic View Academy Internships

ScenicView is looking for Recreation Therapy Interns to help us serve the neuro diverse community. Services are provided in a residential support setting. The Recreation Therapist provides direct service to teach skills and provide interventions under the direction of the program directors and supervised by the program manager.


Interns will learn how to:


Contact Name:

Karen Gonzales; kareng@svacademy.org


Application Instructions:

For an inquiries please send your resume to kareng@svacademy.org and or call at 801-342-3467.


Location:

Provo, UT

Salt Lake County Adaptive Recreation Internships

Salt Lake County Adaptive Recreation offers inclusive services and adaptive recreation programs to individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Inclusion is when an individual joins a program that is not specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive recreation programs are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.  We offer adaptive sport & aquatic programs, adaptive socialization activities, and adaptive child care services. We accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities. 


The intern's role in this organization is to assist in all aspects of programs and administration. They will be supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), while performing various jobs tasks as outlined by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Based on experience, the intern may also serve in a leadership role, as a program leader or site supervisor. This internship will require evening and weekend hours. A part-time internship can be arranged that would extend past 14 weeks. Specific dates and times must be approved by the internship supervisor prior to starting. 


PRE-INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

Respond to internship offer with acceptance letter acknowledging:

Beginning and ending dates

A statement of expectations (intern goals)

Verify that your college/university has a legal agreement with Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.

Complete all requirements for your college/university.

You must pass a background check in order to be eligible to intern with Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.


DURING THE INTERNSHIP:

Attend appropriate training sessions and clinics for specific programs.

Participate in all facets of agency operation as directed by supervisor.

Maintain copy of all records pertinent to the internship including: orientation materials, copy of supervisor’s certification, log of hours, evaluations, assignments, and projects.

Complete assignments as given by supervisor(s) and any that are required by the university.

Attend weekly intern meetings.

Plan and present updates regarding the NCTRC job task analysis assignments and experiences related to the Therapeutic Recreation process.

Complete a case study that is chosen in collaboration with the intern supervisor.

Participate in program and internship evaluations.

Have FUN!


Application Deadlines:

Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation will accept interns as long as there is enough need for them to assist in programs. Please contact the agency internship coordinator for details.


Contact:

Autumn Lulla TRS, CTRS alulla@slco.org

Best Practice Site Certificate.docx

St. Mark's Hospital Behavioral Health Unit Internships

St. Marks Hospital is a Joint Commission Accredited 317 bed licensed hospital. Therapeutic Recreation services in the hospital are based on the 16 bed Adult In-patient Behavioral Health Unit. TR services are also available within the hospital setting for all patients including the 14 bed Transitional Care Center/SNF, the 16 bed Acute Rehabilitation unit, and working with antepartum patients.

The therapeutic recreation internship at St. Mark’s Hospital will meet the National

Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements through the

following criteria:

1. The internship will be a minimum of 560 hours or 14 consecutive weeks under

the supervision of a full-time CTRS.

2. The intern will participate in the development of professional roles by creating an

educational in-service to provide education to the staff during the internship

hours.

3. The intern will participate in Interdisciplinary Team meetings to gain greater

knowledge of the role of TR in the care planning process. The intern will have

the opportunity to work with allied professionals to develop greater understanding

of allied professions and the role of TR in the interdisciplinary role.

4. The intern will participate in the local professional organization events during

internship weeks to further their knowledge.

5. The intern will learn the federal and state professional regulations and practice

laws to implement them into their daily practice.

6. The intern will implement the APIE process of therapeutic recreation in daily

practice on the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and within other settings that utilize

TR services.

7. The intern will participate in improvement processes of the TR program by

developing protocols for interventions provided during programming.

8. The intern will promote TR services within the hospital setting.

9. The intern will develop and implement therapeutic recreation interventions to

meet the goals developed for patients. The intern will gain increased insight into

diversity of patient mix and develop skills to adapt interventions accordingly.

10. The intern will develop working knowledge of resource/equipment

inventory, compliance with credentialing organizations, and working within a

budget.

RT services are offered seven days a week, allowing for internship schedule flexibility.  Unfortunately there is not a stipend at this internship. Learn more about the hospital at https://mountainstar.com/locations/st-marks-hospital/


Minimum Requirements


Type:

Year-round


Application Instructions:

Please email resumes and cover letter to Christine.Forsdick@mountainstarhealth.com or Liz.Longhurst@Mountainstarhealth.com. Upon review we will set up an interview. If extended the internship, intern will begin the hospital screening process.  


Location:

3900 S 1200 E, Salt Lake City, Utah

Huntsman Mental Health Institute (Formerly known as UNI) Internships

Experience your large internship at one of Utah’s premiere research hospitals. As part of a world-renowned academic health system (University of Utah Health), Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) provides comprehensive mental health services and psychiatric care. HMHI offers large internships each semester for students seeking national certification in Therapeutic Recreation. HMHI is an acute inpatient and day treatment hospital containing 120 beds and 11 units. The diverse patient population at HMHI consists of individuals ranging from early childhood to geriatric who are a danger to themselves or others and are unable to maintain safety in a less restrictive environment. Common problem areas include anger, depression, self-harm, psychosis, detox, and autism. The multidisciplinary team consists of highly-qualified doctors, therapists, nursing staff, social workers and expressive therapists. The Expressive Therapy department is responsible for leading 185 groups each week across the hospital.

As a member of the Expressive Therapy department, the Recreation Therapy intern will:

This is an unpaid, full time internship. To arrange a tour and begin the application process, contact Jaimie Cogswell MTRS, CTRS.


Type:

Year-round


Application Instructions:

jaimie.cogswell@hsc.utah.edu


Location:

Salt Lake City, Utah

Best Practice Site Certificate.docx

VA Salt Lake City Internships

Our mission is “to serve the veteran who served us”. The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS) is committed to providing our patients with the highest Quality of Care in an environment that is safe.

Internships with Recreation therapy Services at the VASLCHCS offer students opportunities to work with a recreation therapist working with the following Veteran populations: Acute Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use Treatment, Whole Health and Physical Disability & Adaptive Sports.

Please visit Recreation Therapy Internship Program | VA Salt Lake City Health Care | Veterans Affairs website for more details if you are interested in working with Veterans within the recreation therapy department at the VASLCHCS. This is an unpaid internship.


Minimum Requirements


Application Deadline


Contact Name:

Allison Thelin


Application Instructions

Please visit the website for additional information as well as the application.

Recreation Therapy Internship Program | VA Salt Lake City Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Contact Allison Thelin with any additional questions

Allison.Thelin@va.gov 801-582-1565 ext. 2617


Location:

Salt Lake City, UT

Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Internships

A winter internship with Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports offers a creative and hands on experience. Our small organization is striving to meet the large need in our community. Through offering adaptive ski and snowboard lessons we hope to increase confidence, community, and life enjoyment for our participants. With us you will be able to identify a population you would like to focus on, make community partnerships, plan an individualized program, and implement it with the support of our staff. 


Minimum Requirements


Application Deadline


Contact Name:

Amy Holt CTRS 

Program Coordinator

aholt@ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org 


Application Instructions

Please submit an application at https://ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org/employment/


Location:

Ogden, UT

Copper Hills Youth Center Internships

Students who intern with Copper Hills Youth Center will be exposed to a variety of interventions within a residential treatment center. Copper Hills Youth Center serves a population of adolescents learning to live with primary psychiatric disorders, conduct disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. The recreational therapy department at Copper Hills Youth Center is an integral part in this process by using the leisure and well-being model paired with the broaden and build theory of positive emotions; to expose the adolescents to interesting, content, and joyful interventions that are innovative in building relationships and teaching them to love themselves for who they are.


Internship Will Cover

• Assessments (In house and standardized)

• Planning of treatment goals and objectives

• Observing Groups

• Planning/implementing Groups (focused on the broaden and build theory of positive emotions)

• Evaluating groups/residents fit with treatment goals

• Exposure to high and low ropes course elements

• Interdisciplinary team meetings/treatment reviews

• Continuous review of evidence based practice


Application Deadline:

Ongoing


Contact:

Shane Brooks TRS, CTRS

C: (307)-371-8521    E: shane.brooks@uhsinc.com


Application Instructions:

Send an email to Shane Brooks (shane.brooks@uhsinc.com)with the semester you are applying for and when you would like to start your internships. Please also include some basic information about yourself. You will be emailed an application letter with instructions on how to apply. 


Location:

5899 West Rivendell Drive

West Jordan, UT 84088

I am Camp K-Staff v2 - Camp Kostopulos.mp4

Kostopulos Dream Foundation/Camp Kostopulos Internships

Kostopulos Dream Foundation, also known as Camp Kostopulos, offers year round internships! Here are the following Intern Responsibilities:

Act as an integral member of the summer camp program team. Assist with paperwork such as camper histories. Provide supervision, instruction, and ongoing assistance to program staff, campers, and volunteers during programs. Facilitate and lead assigned groups and activities such as-arts and crafts, music, drama, horses, ropes course, and more. Assessments of Participants: Including reviewing documentation, personal interview, and observation. Formal written interviews will be completed by TR interns. Develop individualized intervention plans for participants after assessments. Shadow CTRS. Facilitate activities under direction of intern supervisor. Complete evaluation forms after activities and review with supervisor. Evaluate campers who received an assessment during the week. Assist Program Manager & Coordinators in preparing program areas for summer. Plan and implement programs and activities: Including writing goals and objectives, writing activity plans, and making necessary arrangements. Assist Program Manager in providing supervision and guidance to program by articulating expectations, displaying model behavior, maintaining open lines of communication and being clear about roles and relationships. Follow protocol regarding handling of behaviors and special needs; gives Program Manager & Coordinators input & feedback on effectiveness of behavior protocols. Assist in implementing schedules for all areas of assigned camp programs including; facilities, special events, staff, meetings, etc. Assist Program Manager & Coordinators in leading and facilitating ropes course groups. Respond to any critical situations that may arise with participants, staff or environment. Supervise and assist in the following tasks: Supervision of participants, administering behavior protocol as directed, administering all medical protocol as directed, verbal and physical assistance, lifeguarding, and accomplishing all other tasks as directed. Monitors safety of all aspects of the program and campers. Communicate all pertinent issues affecting the programs to Program Manager & Coordinators (i.e. staff/client/ parent/transportation issues & concerns, etc), in a timely manner. Responsible for implementing policies and procedures regarding facilities and van including but not limited to; ensuring proper paperwork is filled out prior to departing, reporting damages to Director of Operations, using backer when exiting a parking spot, etc... Participate in all required trainings and certifications in compliance with the organization’s standards. Create a nurturing, positive and professional environment while promoting program policies and procedures amongst staff, volunteers and community. Communicate clearly, honestly and respectfully with all staff, participants, parents and volunteers.


Application Deadline

Internships - Fall, Spring, Summer


Contact Name:

Nicole Bovard, CTRS, Program Coordinator   801-582-0700 EXT109 


Application Instructions

Email nbovard@campk.org for further instructions 


Location:

4180 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

San Jose Behavioral Health Internships

This is a hands on internship! You will be trained by the best and then pushed out of the nest to fully implement the skills and knowledge you've gained the past four years. You will have the opportunity to learn about various diagnoses, populations, and therapeutic interventions. Behavioral Health is taxing but so rewarding when you see your patients increase in coping skills and leisure insights. Our company goal is to have the best Behavioral Health programming in California and you can be a part of that!


Minimum Requirements:

All or close to all university required course work completed prior to internship. Understanding this is in person in California (SF Bay Area; south bay).


Application Deadline:

October 1, 2022


Contact Name:

Meagan Michael; meagan.michael@sanjose.bh


Application Instructions:

Please email Meagan Michael; meagan.michael@sanjose.bh with your resume.


Location:

SF Bay Area; south bay, CA

Behavioral Health Center Internships

Take note this internship is located in Idaho Falls, ID.

The Recreation Therapy internship at the BHC is a great place to gain experience with both adult and adolescents in an acute mental health setting. In addition to working with your internship supervisor, you’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from a team of recreation therapists for a full and varied experience. This is a 14-week, full-time program that meets the requirements outlined by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Students will apply skills learned in their university coursework, gain exposure to, and demonstrate competence in all of the job tasks of a recreation therapist as outlined in the NCTRC Job Analysis. Under the supervision of our CTRSs, students will become a practicing member of our interdisciplinary treatment team.


Application Deadline:

Ongoing


Contact Name:

Kristen Sargis, MS, CTRS

Recreation Therapy Supervisor

Behavioral Health Center

2280 E 25th St, Idaho Falls, ID  83404

P (208) 227-2300  | E kristen.sargis@hcahealthcare.com


Application Instructions:

Go to the internship website for more information and to request an application.

https://eirmc.com/professionals/bhc-internship.dot


Location:

Idaho Falls, Idaho

New Focus Academy Internships



Intern Responsibilities:



Minimum Requirements:



Contact Name:



Application Instructions:



Location:

Heber City, UT

Bennion Veterans Home Internships

Meryvn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home is a 108 bed Skilled Nursing Facility.  We serve Veterans and their spouses.  The Department of Recreation Therapy offers a wide range of programs and activities that are based on our residents’ desires and needs. We aim to provide structure and routine for participating in daily life within the facility. Our Memory Care Unit provides unique dementia care programming. 

Type:

Full Time


Position Title:

Recreation Therapy Intern


Job Summary:

Assess residents’ skill/ability level, plan, implement, and evaluate programs and activities for residents of a SNF under supervision of CTRS. Complete required documentation under supervision of CTRS.  Assist with any special events and outreach programs for the Bennion Veterans Nursing Home.  Complete a major project for the agency.


Responsibilities:


Qualifications:


Schedule:

Interns will work a 40-hour week.  Hours and days are flexible and can be coordinated with agency supervisor based on facility need.


Application Deadline:

Summer Internship (May to August): Feb. 1

Fall Internship (September to December): June 1

Spring Internship (January to April): Oct. 1


Contact Name:

Chelsey Coronado  

chelsey.coronado@avalonhelathcare.com

704-418-3238


Location:

Payson, Utah

USH-Internship powerpoint Sept 2021
Best Practice Site Certificate.docx

Utah State Hospital Internships

Interns are matched with a licensed and NCTRC certified Supervisor. They will receive orientation and training throughout their internship. A stipend of $840.00 will be paid at the conclusion of a successful internship. Interns will be mentored by their supervisor and other RT professionals adhering to the NCTRC guidelines and job analysis. Interns are included in Clinical meetings and play a role on the treatment team. Opportunities for clinical rotations on other patient units is expected to broaden the learning experience regarding patient ages and with a variety of mental illnesses, age ranges from children through adults. It's expected the intern will have finished their class work and completing their education with this internship. We prepare our interns for the RT profession.


Company / Organization Name:

Utah State Hospital

Type:

Full Time

Position Title:

Recreation Therapy Intern

Minimum Requirements

Candidate must be eligible through their university's Recreation Therapy department. Advisors will need to recommend them for this internship. This is a highly sought after intern placement, so early commitment to work and follow through is expected.

Internships are offered year round, but there is a cap of 5 interns per semester. We are looking for highly motivated, energized, creative, independent, and career oriented individuals who can work within a team of clinical professionals from psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, RT and OT staff. You will learn from the best!

Application Deadline

2-3 months prior to the semester

Contact Name:

Julie Varoz, CTRS

Application Instructions

Contact Julie Varoz, the RT Program Associate for an application packet to be emailed to you jvaroz@utah.gov , 801-344-4489

Location:

Utah State Hospital 1300 E. Center Street, Provo, Utah

Utah State Development Center Internships

If you are looking for a rewarding job that will count towards pre-internship hours, this is a great job for you! We are looking for people that love to make a difference, spread joy, and provide as much recreation as possible for our individuals!


We serve about 200 individuals that have intellectual and/or physical disabilities. You choose what recreational activities to do with your own caseload. When weather permits, we do horseback riding and bike rides (we even have a wheelchair bike). We have a sensory room, greenhouse, pool, weights gym and rec gym. 


Intern Responsibilities:



Minimum Requirements:



Contact Name:



Application Instructions:



Location:

American Fork, UT

Maple Lake Academy Internships

Maple Lake Academy provides the answers and long-term results to adolescents, ages 12-17, struggling with the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Communication Disorder, and  Verbal/Nonverbal Learning Disorders. With a warm home environment, balancing structure and love, we work closely with our students to teach and practice the critical skills they will need to succeed socially, emotionally and academically.  We believe that all students are unique and require individualized programs to best reach their potential. The combination of our expertise and dedication to this work with our families is truly a journey of love in building their family bridge to success. 


Application Deadline

2-3 months prior to the semester


Contact Name:

Sam Peters, TRS, CTRS


Application Instructions

If you’re interested contact: sam@maplelakeacademy.com


Location:

Spanish Fork, Utah


Madison Carriage Cove Internships

Carriage Cove Short Stay Rehabilitation in Rexburg, Idaho, is a Healthcare Resort to serve your Transitional Care needs. Carriage Cove combines a progressive and unique healthcare model with an atmosphere of hospitality, and the amenities of a fine luxury resort. Our guests enjoy short-term medical therapy and/or treatment. 

Internships are offered year-round.


Minimum Requirements:

Coursework approved by NCTRC.


Contact Name:

Emily Stoddard - emily.spencer@tanabell.com; 208-359-7649


Application Instructions:

Send cover letter and resume to Emily Spencer CTRS, Recreation Therapist.


Location:

Rexburg, ID

Idaho State Hospital South Internships

Students completing an internship at State Hospital South (SHS) will have the opportunity to apply skills learned in their university coursework as well as perform the job tasks of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist as outlined in the NCTRC job analysis, while under the supervision of a CTRS. The goal of the internship at SHS is to provide the student with a wide variety of experiences in therapeutic recreation programming for individuals with mental illnesses in an inpatient setting and to meet the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation criteria. 


Minimum Requirements:

The following needs to be completed before starting the internship:

1. A Letter of Attestation will be required from your university. Please speak with RT professors on how this can be completed. It needs to document that you:

Have had a background check

Have had a TB test

Have had CPR training

Are a student in good standing

2. Meet the academic path requirements outlined in the NCTRC prior to starting the internship

3. Review the entire SHS RT Intern Application Packet

4. First Aid certification is preferred prior to starting, not required

5. COVID-19 proof of vaccination or exemption form must be completed and sent to our HR Specialist prior to starting your internship. You can email your vaccination/exemption forms to Sheryl Donnelly at sheryl.donnelly@dhw.idaho.gov


Contact Name:

Carolyn Smith, CTRS

carolyn.smith@dhw.idaho.gov


Application Instructions:

For all inquiries, please contact Carolyn Smith at carolyn.smith@dhw.idago.gov to receive our internship application packet.


Location:

Blackfoot, Idaho