Recreation Therapy - Internship Program

The Recreation Therapy Service at VAPAHCS offers exciting internship opportunities year-round for all students nationwide pursuing a degree in Recreation Therapy. Interns can expect to be placed in a unique internship experience where personal and professional growth can and will happen.  Interns will be able to have the support of 59 recreation therapy staff in addition to their internship supervisor. The Recreation Therapy Service has a diverse staff from all walks of life, and staff with the experience and knowledge to guide an intern to become a solid clinician within the profession.

In-depth internship information for students and faculty


To qualify for an internship at VAPAHCS:

• Complete a minimum of 400 practicum hours within a therapeutic recreation setting or related area
• Ensure completion of all required therapeutic recreation coursework outlined by the university
• Complete an initial screening with the internship coordinator
• Provide a cover letter with resume
• Provide two letters of recommendation
• Letter from a professor
• Letter from a professional within the field of recreation therapy
• Provide an unofficial current class transcript or a class guide signed by the recreation therapy supervisor detailing a completion of all required course work
• Provide documentation of completed TB (tuberculosis) skin tests; required to have two completed

Deadline for Internship Applications:

• April 1st for a Fall internship
• July 1st for a Winter internship
• September 25th for a Spring internship
• January 25th for Summer internship

Procedure for the Selection of an Intern:

• Internship Coordinator will review all required documents submitted by students as delineated above and coordinate internship interviews
• Complete an interview with a possible internship supervisor (may have more than one interview)
• Following the interview, if the student selects agency as his/her first placement, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the possible internship supervisor and express his/her interest in the internship position
• While a student may select our agency for internship, it is not a guarantee of placement until the agency has officially confirmed with the university proper placement
• At a minimum of one month prior to their starting date, interns will be selected for the requested semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer)
• The student will be notified and congratulated by the internship supervisor

The student will be provided an internship packet that will identify the necessary documents that need to be completed and information about the program. Two TB (tuberculosis) tests and/or documentation of the results of two TB tests within the occurring year of internship must be completed. Fingerprints (completed at VA) and a driver’s license with proof of insurance also need to be submitted to internship supervisor. This process does take time and there are many applicants, so the student should be expeditious in returning the proper paperwork by the deadlines provided. Our facility generally accepts 1 to 2 interns per semester.

For additional information, please contact the Internship Coordinator:
Bria Heymach, CTRS