How to Get a Job as a Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists help those who have been injured or sick to become physically active once more. A recreational therapist may use sports, arts and crafts, dance or other physical activities to treat the physical, mental and emotional challenges of those in the rehabilitation process. By getting a job as a recreational therapist, you may be giving an individual a new lease on life.
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Instructions
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Complete the required education to get a job as a recreational therapist. In most cases, this involves getting a bachelor's degree in recreation or therapeutic recreation. However, you may be able to enter the field with an Associate's degree in recreational therapy, supplemented with further studies in drama, music or art.
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Find out if you need to be licensed by the state in which you live in order to become a recreational therapist. In North Carolina, New Hampshire and Utah, you will need to be certified as a licensed recreational therapist in order to get a job in the field. Other municipalities may require some study in the fields of recreational therapy, such as treatment and program planning, anatomy, abnormal psychology, professional ethics and medical terminology.
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Visit the Recreation Therapy Jobs website for postings and advice.
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Give yourself a competitive edge through ongoing education. Growth in this sector has been particularly slow in recent years, and competition for available positions can be quite fierce. By composing a strong resume and continuing your studies, you may be able to stand out in the crowd to be selected for an interview.
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Design a career path once you get a job as a recreational therapists. Individuals who excel in this position often grow into related positions, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors and special education teachers. There is a greater demand for many of these positions, and the salaries can be much higher than for a traditional recreational therapist.
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Tips & Warnings
Recreational therapists may also help people with permanent or congenital physical disabilities lead an independent life.
Many recreational therapists help people with severe illnesses or devastating injuries, often working in hospital settings and collaborating with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. If you are squeamish about any aspect of the work, tailor your job search accordingly.
