Recreation Therapy Internship

A man in a wheelchair, wearing a cap and sunglasses, plays tennis. He is holding a racket with a yellow frame and reaching to hit a ball. The background shows a tennis court and an Adidas banner.

About the recreation therapy internship

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience? As a Recreation Therapy Intern at Shepherd Center, you’ll be part of a nationally recognized team, building skills that prepare you for a career in therapeutic recreation. Here, you’ll contribute meaningfully while growing into the role of a full-time recreation therapist.

What to expect

During this 15-week internship, you’ll work alongside certified recreation therapy specialists, gaining the confidence and expertise to manage a personal caseload and implement innovative therapeutic interventions. You’ll experience:

  • Hands-on patient care: Maintain a caseload of 8-12 patients, leading treatment sessions, documentation, and referrals.
  • Community integration: Plan, organize, and facilitate community outings to support patients in rebuilding their lives.
  • Collaborative learning: Attend team meetings, goal-setting conferences, staff in-services, and program events.
  • Professional development: Deliver an educational in-service presentation, complete a long-term project with lasting impact, and participate in family training and leisure education sessions.
  • Immersive experiences: Participate in weekend camping trips or specialized camps.

Why Shepherd Center?

Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a 152-bed rehabilitation hospital known for its expertise in spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, and neurological disorders. Our fast-paced environment will challenge and refine your clinical skills while preparing you for the diverse needs of patients. As a Model Brain and Spinal Cord Center and a National Multiple Sclerosis Center, we provide comprehensive services across the continuum of care, including inpatient, day programs, and outpatient services.

Your growth is our priority

By the end of the internship, you will have completed the Recreation Therapy competency packet, delivered a major project that adds value to our department, and participated in every facet of therapeutic recreation. This experience equips you with the tools to excel in any recreation therapy role.

The internship experience

Learn more about the recreation therapy internship experience in the videos below.

A woman with braided hair wearing a

Recreation therapy internship overview

Two women sit in front of a backdrop with

Recreation therapy intership supervisor-intern relationship

Three people are sitting side by side, smiling at the camera. Behind them is a backdrop with

Former interns reflect on their internship experiences

Application process

We offer dynamic internship opportunities in both our Spinal Cord Injury and Acquired Brain Injury programs. We’re looking for dedicated, adaptable students ready to thrive in a challenging and rewarding environment. Success in this program requires professionalism, respect for patient confidentiality, adherence to established policies, and active engagement in the learning process.

Internship eligibility

  1. Completion of a majority of required recreation therapy and general recreation coursework.
  2. Signed contract on file from school.
  3. Necessary verbal and writing skills to communicate effectively.
  4. Evidence of recent physical exam and appropriate health screening.
  5. Evidence of health and personal liability insurance.
  6. Successfully passed a background check and drug screening.
  7. Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Application requirements

To ensure your application is complete and eligible for review, please submit the following materials together to Valerie Miller at [email protected].

  • Completed area of interest checklist (PDF).
  • Resume
  • Create a video answering the five questions below (maximum duration: 7 minutes)
    • File naming: Use the semester of your internship, your full name, and your university (e.g., “Spring2025_JohnDoe_University of Georgia”).
    • Submission: Provide the video with a Google Drive or YouTube link.
    • Questions:
      • Part of your experience as a fieldwork student is receiving constructive feedback from your fieldwork educator regarding your treatment plans, documentation, and communication skills. How do you like to receive constructive feedback? Can you tell us about a time that you received constructive feedback and were able to use that feedback to improve your skills or performance?
      • Why did you chose Shepherd Center as your clinical internship facility?
      • What would your friends say are your best attributes? What would they say is your biggest area of improvement?
      • What is your shark tank idea for recreation therapy?
      • What is your favorite recreation therapy class and what did you gain from that class that will help you in your fieldwork?
  • Letters of recommendation (optional)
  • Official school transcripts sent in a sealed envelope directly from your university to:
    Shepherd Center
    Attn: Valerie Miller, Recreation Therapy
    2020 Peachtree Road NW
    Atlanta, GA 30309

Application deadlines

  • Summer semester: January 15
  • Fall semester: April 15
  • Spring semester: September 15

All applications are held until the deadline date, and interviews are scheduled after reviewing the pool of candidates.

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