Oncology Recreation Therapy

The Oncology Recreation Therapy (ORT) program is a component of the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. The purpose of the ORT is to assist adults with cancer and their families in adjusting to their illness, treatment and hospitalization. One-on-one recreational therapy treatment interventions facilitated by a Licensed Recreation Therapist (LRT), along with general recreational activities and resources, are offered to assist patients and their families in maintaining and/or improving functioning and well-being in the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and leisure domains.

Our Services (One-on-One and Groups)

Low Impact Physical Functioning
Nintendo Wii Sports/Wii Fit, corn hole, ladder golf, putt-putt, walking program

Stress Management/Relaxation Techniques
Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing

Self-Image
Cancer Center Belk Boutique

Legacy Building
Recordable storybooks, life story, hand molds, scrapbooks, journals, voice/video recordings

Expressive Arts/Leisure Skill Development
Painting, knitting, journaling, drawing, etc.

Pet Therapy
Procedural support preparation

Our Resources

DVD Lending Library
Arts & Crafts Supplies
Knitting/Crochet Supplies
Board Games
Playing Cards
Crossword, Word Search & Sudoku
Jigsaw Puzzles
Guitar & Keyboard
Journaling Supplies
Audio Books

Does it Cost Anything?

Oncology Recreation Therapy services are offered at no cost to patients. Most of the resources provided are made possible through donations and fundraisers.

Internship Opportunities

Internship opportunities are available for recreation therapy students attending an accredited college or university studying recreation therapy and on track for national certification and/or licensure. The Duke Oncology Recreation Therapy internship requires a minimum of 14 uninterrupted weeks and a total of 560 hours. Internships are offered in the spring semester only at this time. Apply for a Duke Oncology Recreation Therapy Internship. The application opens on July 1.

Volunteers Make Our Program a Success

Duke's Oncology Recreation Therapy Program extends even further to support more patients and their families with the help of volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.