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: Equestrian (EFL, Hippotherapy & Adaptive Riding), Aquatics, Archery, Camps, Rock Climbing, Nordic Skiing/Biathlon, Family & Group Programming, Water-skiing, Wakeboarding, Paddle Sports, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Military Programs, Ski & Snowboard, Sled Hockey 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

Crescent Senior Living is an Assisted Living Community operated by Mission Health Services. Mission’s core philosophy is providing an environment of safety and security while the resident retains full autonomy. All of our Mission homes have joined the Eden Alternative Registry and are committed to battling the plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.

An internship at Crescent Senior Living provides students with the opportunity to work with our Recreation Therapist and help with assessments, learn our documentation procedures, and to assist in providing goal-oriented leisure programs for our residents.

Minimum Requirements:

1- Pass a background check.

2- Appropriate TR Coursework.

3- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

4- Must live offsite and commute each day. Room and board will not be provided.

5- Complete necessary paperwork.

Application Deadline:

Open

Contact Name:

Katherine Wright

Application Instructions:

Contact Katherine for Internship Application and Guide at: katherine.wright@crescentseniorliving.com

Send in Cover Letter, Resume, and Completed Application.

Location:

Sandy, UT

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center Senior Behavioral Health Unit is a geriatric specific psychiatric unit. We treat a variety of mental health diagnosis that need treatment. As a Recreational Therapy intern, you will learn about treatment for these diagnosis and how to run a therapy group that is beneficial for a variety of cognitive functioning and diagnoses. You will perform assessments, create goals, plan and execute groups, document, and evaluate as a member of the treatment team. For questions about applying please contact Ashley McBride at Ashley.McBride@steward.org or call at 801-350-8510 

Minimum Requirements:

1- Pass a background check and complete necessary paperwork

2- Appropriate TR Coursework.

3- Must have transportation to the facility.

4- Should have met all requirements for their school and for NCTRC to be eligible for an internship

5- CPR certified

6- Vaccinated against COVID. 

Additional training will be provided.

Contact Name:

Ashley McBride

Application Instructions:

For questions about applying please contact Ashley McBride at Ashley.McBride@steward.org or call at 801-350-8510 or complete the following form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16KAdKGMyhFJin_MOoPhQti4ZMcBaW7tcqx8CEhWTRk8/edit?usp=drivesdk

Location:

Salt Lake City, UT 

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:

• Prepare for NCTRC certification through assignments and projects.

• Observe and facilitate groups across all units.

• Learn to coordinate care with art therapists, music therapists as well as the multidisciplinary treatment team.

• Apply the Therapeutic Recreation process through assessments, group notes, treatment plan reviews and discharge notes.

• Learn and assist with challenge (ropes) course initiatives.

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

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 

• Assist program staff in the planning and leading of outdoor recreational activities and trips including, cycling, rock climbing, canoeing, camping, river rafting, etc.   

• Assist program staff with outreach efforts to recruit people with disabilities, organizations, and agencies to participate in activities. 

• Assist with maintenance tasks around the office including: maintaining equipment, cleaning vehicles, and providing misc. office support tasks.  

• Assist in obtaining in-kind donations for programs and special events. 

Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be mature, reliable, and have a willingness to work with diverse populations.    

• Sincere desire and motivation to work with youths and adults of all abilities  

• Ability and desire to work outdoors  

• Hard Working and self-directed 

• Ability to lift 50lbs.  

• Must provide current first aid and CPR certification documentation 

• Minimum age of 18 years 

• Experience working with volunteers and the public 

• Ability and flexibility to handle various projects with strong organizational skills 

• Ability to take initiative and run with new ideas 

• Strong interpersonal, networking, presentation and recruiting skills 

• Clean driving record 

• Food handlers permit  

• Must be able to pass a background check 

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

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

• Must be 21 years or older

• Pass background check

• Complete a minimum of 100 practicum/work hours within a recreation therapy setting OR other human health services related setting (Flexible due to COVID)

• Ensure completion of all required recreation therapy coursework outlined by the university

Application Deadline

• Summer Internship (May to August): Feb. 1

• Fall Internship (September to December): June 1

• Spring Internship (January to April): Oct. 1 or by Oct 8

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

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:

• Assist students in acquiring skills, as defined by program outcomes, using the direct instruction model.

• Provide students with formal and informal assessments to gauge skills mastery

• Make recommendations for students’ skill needs and scheduling to Service Coordinators

• Initiate skill development after receiving assignment and consulting with the Service Coordinator regarding student MAP goals

• Evaluate pre and post assessment results and modify instruction as necessary

• Document skill development progress on the MAP

• Continually update the student on their progress

• Collaborate with the Service Coordinator to recommend involvement of other specialists if additional interventions are required

• Consult with the Service Coordinator to create, alter, or amend student plans or schedules, with the understanding that the Service Coordinator will have final say in all student plans

• Collaborate with the recreational therapy team to plan and execute student enrichment activities

• Manage recreational therapy supplies and inventory

Contact Name:

Elise Alford; elisea@svacademy.org

Application Instructions:

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

Location:

Provo, UT

Interns will learn how to:

Contact Name:

Application Instructions:

Location:

Ivins, UT

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

• NCTRC required course work

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

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

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:

Emma Bartlome TRS, CTRS ebartlome@slco.org

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

Intern Responsibilities:

Minimum Requirements:

Contact Name:

Application Instructions:

Location:

Heber City, UT

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:

• Develop a therapeutic relationship with the residents in our home.

• Complete resident assessments including: chart review, personal interview and observation.

• Develop individualized care plans for residents. 

• Plan and implement programs/activities including: writing protocols/activity plans and making necessary arrangements.

• Facilitate activities under direction of CTRS.

• Complete required documentation under direction of CTRS

• Actively participate in treatment team meetings, planning sessions, and in-services.

• Represent the agency by participating in outreach, advocacy and public relations.

• Complete a major project for the agency as agreed upon by student, university, and agency supervisor.

• Maintain an appropriate level of professionalism as a representative of the facility in community settings.

Qualifications:

• Must have completed the University and NCTRC requirements to be eligible for the internship.

• Must have a clean criminal background and TB test.

• Current first aid/CPR certifications.

• Must be physically capable of providing assistance for residents in group activities.

• Experience working with older adults and dementia is preferred.

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

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

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