Recreation Therapist Job Description

A recreation therapist may recommend a recreational activity to patients, such as golf.

Recreational therapists improve a patient's well-being through outlets such as dance or sports. Recreational therapists offer treatment services and recreational activities for patients with illnesses and disabilities. These therapists plan, coordinate and direct medically-approved recreation programs for hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. A career as a recreational therapist can be deeply rewarding, especially when they help patients overcome mental, physical and emotional challenges.

Roles

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a recreational therapist applies recreational techniques to patient needs, such as arts and crafts, sports, animals, games, movement and dance, music, drama, and community outings. These activities can help patients reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Activities can also aid in recovering a patient's motor functioning and reasoning abilities. They can also help reduce or eliminate the effects of the disability or illness and help build a patient's self confidence. Recreational therapists assess clients from medical records, observations and consultations. Therapists then create and direct therapeutic interventions based on their findings. Therapists may work one-on-one or in groups.

Environment and Hours

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a recreational therapist provides treatments and services in special activity rooms. Therapists may also work in an office where they prepare documentation. A therapist who works in community integration programs may teach patients how to use public transportation or take patients to public areas, such as playgrounds, parks, pools, theaters and restaurants. Therapists work 40 hours per week which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Education, Training and Licensure

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the minimum education for recreational therapy is a bachelor's degree with a major or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. According to College Board, aspiring recreational therapists who want to work in art or dance/movement therapy will require a master's degree.

An internship to gain hands-on training is typically a part of the bachelor's degree curriculum.

Licensure requirements depend on the state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2009, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Utah and New Hampshire required licensure to practice as a recreational therapist. For specifics on licensure requirements, contact your individual state's medical board.

Salary

Recreational therapists had a national mean hourly wage of $19.84 and a national mean annual wage of $41,270 in May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages. High levels of employment for recreational therapists were found in nursing care facilities with an annual mean wage of $36,210; general medical and surgical hospitals, $44,840; psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, $42,620; the State Government, $44,560; and community care facilities for the elderly, $35,470.

Job Outlook

Employment for recreational therapists is expected to increase faster than average at a rate of 15 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Applicants for job openings will experience competition.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Recreational Therapist
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Recreational Therapists
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2009: Recreational Therapists
• College Board: Recreational Therapists

Resources

• American Therapeutic Recreation Association
• National Therapeutic Recreation Society
• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification