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Step 1
Choose and apply to a college program that fits your lifestyle and schedule. Determine whether you will need financial aid in the form of grants and loans. Since there are about 130 programs to choose from, you can tailor your college experience to suit your busy life.
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Step 2
Complete your bachelor's degree within your selected program. You may choose to build on this entry-level education through graduate courses in later years. With a bachelor's degree in recreational or art therapy you have the opportunity to use your skills working at schools, in a private practice or within a medical system.
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Step 3
Apply for certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. You can apply before you have your final grades.
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Step 4
Complete the process of certification. Certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is often mandatory for employment in the field. To fulfill the requirements for certification you will need to have a Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy and pass a written examination and you will be required to complete 480 hours in a supervised internship, working with clients through recreational therapy. To maintain your certified status, you will need to have 50 hours of continuing education credits every five years. If you are unable to meet this requiremen, you may take the exam again to become re-certified.
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Step 5
Search for jobs in the education, health and long-term care fields. These are the areas that are most likely to hire art and recreational therapists. Working in the field, even part time, is a crucial point to re-certification.
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Step 6
Each year you will need to complete the Annual Maintenance Form and submit your maintenance fee for review. These fees vary depending upon the year.
