Recreational Therapy

The Department of Recreational Therapy at the Munroe-Meyer Institute offers year-round internship training for undergraduate and graduate students in therapeutic recreation and related disciplines.

Internship Opportunities for RT/TR Students

We offer internship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist national credential according to the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification curriculum guidelines. 

• In order to be eligible to apply for the recreational therapy internship, a student must be enrolled in an accredited university/college in recreation therapy or therapeutic recreation. Individuals pursuing a recreation therapy internship for their degree must adhere to university/college standards of supervision. 

• This capstone experience training does require a training contract between the academic home institution and MMI. You can request details of this contract by contacting the department director. The training contract must be in place prior to student placement. 

• This program fulfills the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification requirements. 

Internship/Practicum Opportunities for Non-RT Students

• Students who are not enrolled in an accredited university/college in recreation therapy/not pursuing a recreation therapy internship for their degree, but who are otherwise seeking an internship or practicum experience for their RT-adjacent degree are encouraged to apply.  

• RT-adjacent programs of study include music therapy, art therapy, horticulture therapy, psychology, exercise science, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA, and more. If you are in an RT-adjacent program of study and are interested in an internship or practicum placement with our department, we encourage you to apply. 

• More than 30 local and national colleges and universities have sent students to develop in-depth experience with our participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Apply to our Program

Applicants should submit the following:

• An application cover letter indicating why advanced training in intellectual - developmental disabilities is of personal/professional interest.
• A resume that includes three professional references with current contact information (phone and e-mail).
• Supplemental materials may also be transmitted including such items as; digital portfolio, letters of recommendation, character references, etc.
• All application materials and/or questions regarding affiliated training contracts and/or any additional questions should be e-mailed to Director of Recreation Therapy, Nicole Giron.

Applicant Review

Review of intern applicants is a three-step process.

1. Application materials are reviewed and references checked and the candidate receives a rank order
2. Highest ranking candidates participate in a 45-minute telephone screening interview with the MMI Recreation Therapy Director, Assistant Director, and Internship Clinical Supervisor.
3. Successful finalists are typically notified within one week of their interview regarding an offer for placement.

Requirements for the Internship or Practicum

• Individuals must live in or be willing to relocate to Omaha, NE to complete the entirety of the internship. Individuals must be able to lift up to 25 pounds consistently and up to 75 pounds occasionally. 

• It is preferred that student interns have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including First Aid and CPR training. 

Intern Compensation

• All interns will receive a monetary stipend to be distributed periodically for their 14-week training period.   

• Compensation will depend on qualifications, type of internship or practicum, and other factors. Please reach out to Director Nicole Giron for more information.