Skills & Knowledge Needed for a Recreational Therapist
Becoming a recreational therapist requires the proper education and training. It's important to know the job requirements before you decide to enter the field.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duties
-
Recreational therapists work with the ill, injured or disabled. Therapy focuses on helping patients improve physically and mentally. When considering the needs of new clients, therapists assess the activities, such as dance, games, sports, social integration and field trips, that will help them advance and possibly recover some mental or physical abilities. Recreational therapists may have to consult with their clients' other health care professionals, such as doctors and psychologists, to determine the best treatment.
Knowledge
-
A recreational therapist must have knowledge of how to best communicate with their patients, taking into consideration the capabilities for each one. They must be adept at developing therapeutic plans for patients based on individual circumstances. Recreational therapists need to have some knowledge of psychology and medicine so they can understand the other treatments their patients are undergoing or may need.
-
Skills
-
The skills of a recreational therapist may be learned or developed through training and experience. You should have strong organizational and reasoning skills in order to coordinate with other medical professionals and to adjust therapy plans to fit patients. The ability to work with clients in ways that interest them and help solve their challenges is a valuable skill.
Qualifications
-
Recreational therapists are typically required to have a bachelor's degree. This level of education will ensure that a candidate has completed a program in coursework that includes human anatomy, types of illnesses and disabilities, assessing patients, planning treatment and evaluating progress. Some states may require you to be licensed as a recreational therapist. Also, an employer may require that you are certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
-
