Recreational Therapists
Overview
Recreational therapists help patients heal and improve their well-being through fun, engaging activities like art, music, sports, and games. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community settings, creating personalized treatment plans that use activities patients enjoy to help them recover from injuries, manage disabilities, or cope with mental health challenges. These healthcare professionals collaborate with doctors, nurses, and families to assess patient needs and track progress using both traditional methods and modern digital tools. A bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field is typically required, along with strong communication skills and creativity.
Did you know?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in recreation, kinesiology, or related field, with many states requiring certification through the National Recreation and Park Association.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$57,442.39 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Repairing
Key Responsibilities
- Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
- Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
- Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
- Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
- Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
- Develop discharge plans for patients.
- 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.
- Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
Career Considerations
Educational Requirements and Certification
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in recreation, kinesiology, or related field, with many states requiring certification through the National Recreation and Park Association.
Seasonal Employment Patterns
Many recreation specialist positions are seasonal or part-time, particularly in outdoor recreation and summer camps, requiring financial planning for off-season periods.
Diverse Specialization Opportunities
The field offers various specializations including therapeutic recreation, outdoor adventure programming, and community wellness, each requiring different skill sets and potentially additional certifications.