Each day begins with team meetings to discuss client needs, followed by leading experiential groups that might involve music, art, or team-building exercises. I also offer individual sessions to provide personalized support. The best part of my job is witnessing the transformations in the kids as they gain confidence and discover new ways to navigate their lives.
CAREER
Recreational Therapists
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$57,120
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+3.6% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Recreational Therapists Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Other Job Titles Recreational Therapists May Have
Activities Coordinator, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Specialist, Therapist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
- Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
- Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.
- Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Recreational Therapists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (92%)
Bachelor's degree
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Communication, listening, and people skills are critical as a therapist because you're devoting yourself to working with and helping others. As an adventure and recreational therapist specifically, creativity is very helpful.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
You can start working in the recreational therapy field after earning your bachelor's degree. However, there's a national certification to become a recreational therapist, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential, which I highly recommend pursuing if you want to work in this field. You can also get a clinical adventure therapist credential if you want to work as an adventure therapist specifically but you'll need a master's degree for that as well.
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
