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Professional Development Experiences

Recreation Management Professional Development Experiences
Discover societies and other learning opportunities within the BYU-I campus that enable you to succeed in all of your Recreational Management endevors.
Student Societies
Off-Campus Learning Opportunities
Offered Certifications
Recommended Professional Organizations
Student Societies
Off-Campus Learning Opportunities
Offered Certifications
Recommended Professional Organizations
Student Societies
Off-Campus Learning Opportunities
Offered Certifications
Recommended Professional Organizations

Student Societies

These societies are designed to create greater opportunities for students to obtain appropriate experience, be a bridge of communication between students and faculty, and provide opportunities for students to network.

Keith Barney's Adaptive Recreation Skills class puts their skills to the test riding adaptive bikes and trikes at Porter Park.

Recreation Management Society (RMS)

The BYU-Idaho Recreation Management Society is dedicated to helping Rec Management students network with each other and professionals in their fields.

Facebook Page I-Belong Website

Therapeutic Recreation Society (TRS)

TR Society is a student-led organization that plans activities of interest on topic such as:

  • Professional practice techniques
  • Exam preparation
  • Social gatherings to exchange information
  • Peer connections with former graduates
  • Topics relevant to professional development

Society Leadership changes each semester and are elected by students enrolled in the major.

Faculty advisor: Keith Barney Ext. 4677

Facebook Page I-Belong Website

Off-Campus Learning Opportunities

A couple of students from Brigham Young University-Idaho climb the tallest mountain in Idaho: Mount Borah.

Many of the skill-based classes in the TR program utilize field trips to locations surrounding our campus. Some of the locations are based in the beautiful outdoor environment of Southeast Idaho. Other trips might include such things as playing Adapted Para Ice Hockey at the Idaho Falls ice rink.

Additionally, some students may elect to participate in a "Summit Experience" which entails preparation and then living off-campus for up to 4 weeks. Summit opportunities are in locations such as southern Utah or in Idaho. The longer trips are during Spring Semester and there are shorter versions available in late summer and even winter.

Offered Certifications

As a student, you can increase your employability by increasing your skill set. In order to get the most out of your experience here at BYU-I, you should seek out certifications and talk to your teachers and academic advisors. Some certifications that students can obtain and prepare for while attending and taking courses are the following:

Certifications While Attending (Barring Certification Exams Are Passed):

General:

Students at BYU-Idaho tryout to become lifeguards for the Winter 2017 semester. Lifeguards who are hired for two consecutive semesters no longer need to tryout and can remain lifeguards as long as they like, while they are students.

  • Exercise Science Courses 
  • Life-guarding
  • Lifeguard Instructor
  • Water Safety Instructor
  • Primary Group Fitness Instructor
  • Weight Training
  • Pool Maintenance Operator

Health Science:

  • Wilderness First Aid/CPR

Recreation Management:

  • Leave No Trace Instructor 

The Activities Program also will certify students in fitness instruction (Yoga, Aerobics, etc.)

Certifications Upon Graduating (Barring Certification Exams Are Passed):

Recreation Management Courses:

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 

Discovering if you qualify:

Because each certificate's requirements are unique and fluid, it is essential that you talk to your academic advisor to determine what certificates you qualify for. Staying on top of the requirements will help to avoid unforeseen roadblocks on your way to earning your certificates.

Recommended Professional Organizations

Students can join professional organizations often at a discounted rate. Involvement in professional organizations allows for greater networking, internship opportunities, and employment opportunities. Many future employers look for membership involvement on a resume. Professional organizations have annual conferences and workshops which contribute to professional growth, and there are literally hundreds of organizations one can be involved in. Here are a few options that students may want to consider:

Photographs taken on Grand Targhee during the snowboarding class.

Recreation Management Emphasis Students:

Idaho Recreation and Park Association (IRPA)
IRPA Website
IRPA Facebook Page

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
NRPA Website
NRPA Facebook Page

Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis Students:

Utah Recreation Therapy Association (URTA)
URTA Website
URTA Facebook Page

American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
ATRA Website
ATRA Facebook Page

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
NCTRC Website

Canada Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)
CTRA Website
CTRA Facebook Page

Check out more Therapeutic Recreation organizations.