Recreational Therapist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

When patients are recovering from an illness or injury that has caused them to lose their mobility or independence, or dealing with an emotional or mental problem that has made it impossible for them to live on their own for a period of time, it is very important to keep them engaged in activities that will prevent them from slipping into depression, anger or despair. The professionals that are responsible for interacting with these patients and encouraging them to participate in productive activities are known as recreational therapists. Also referred to as activities therapists, these professionals are required to plan safe activities like art, music, drama, pet care or sports that will help the patients to remain in a positive frame of mind while they are recovering or undergoing additional therapy. Recreational therapists are required to work closely with counselors, psychologists and social workers to monitor patient progress and suggest alterations to treatment.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$34,100
Salary Range
$22,600 - $41,300

Work Environment

It is most common for recreational therapists to be employed in facilities that offer recovery or therapy services to their patients. In most cases the therapist will work in nursing homes, mental health care facilities, correctional institutions, rehabilitation centers and hospitals, but it is also possible for them to be self-employed. Recreational therapists must be ready to handle a wide variety of conditions and levels of patient cooperation.

High School Preparation

Those individuals that think they might enjoy the responsibilities of a recreational therapist are encouraged to spend their high school career advancing their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and psychology. Supporting courses for this line of work also include English, literature, physical education, and physical science, sociology, and computer skills. It is often useful for interested high school students to spend time volunteering at nursing homes or counseling centers to become more familiar with the type of patients they are likely to be working with.

Requirements

After completion of their high school education, individuals that are interested in going on to pursue the career of a recreational therapist are required to enter into an accredited counseling or therapy program at a traditional college or university. In some cases, an associate’s degree or certification in a related field might be sufficient for employment if the student already has experience in the health care fields. Following completion of training or education, the student is encouraged to seek certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Career Outlook

For the next couple of years, it is predicted that the demand for well trained recreational therapists will continue to grow along with the national average. Although the need for recreational therapists will decrease slightly as some struggling hospitals and nursing homes seek to cut costs, there are likely to still be positions in specialized schools and correctional facilities.

Professional Organizations

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
7 Elmwood Drive
New City, New York
Phone: (914) 639-1439
www.nctrc.org