Recreational Therapists
Recreational Therapists provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or other disabling conditions.Therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients using a variety of techniques, such as, arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings.
Therapists help individuals reduce depression and anxiety.
They also help individuals recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence, and socialize effectively to enable greater independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability.
Recreational Therapists also help integrate people with disabilities into the community by helping them use community resources and recreational activities.
Requirements
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation.
- Certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is preferred by most employers.
- Tact.
- Strong listening skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable working with persons who are ill or have disabilities.
- Fingerprint clearance may be required by employer.
Wages
- Recreational Therapists Median hourly wage: $19.97
- Average annual wage: $41,945
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Recreational Therapists in 2002: 1,100
- Estimated number of Recreational Therapists in 2012: 1,200
- Estimated annual job openings: 40
Possible Career Paths for Recreational Therapists include becoming a:
- Supervising Recreational Therapist
- Self-Employment
- Consultant for Health or Social Services Agencies
- Special Education Teacher
- Occupational Therapist Assistant