Recreational Therapists

Also Called: Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Rehabilitation Therapist

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$37,960

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Recreational Therapists do

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

  • Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
  • Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
  • Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.
Industry Areas:

Health Care

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Health Care • Rehabilitation Technician

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Electronic Mail
  • Contact With Others
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Wheelchairs
  • Pianos
  • Canoes or kayaks
  • Cassette players or recorders
  • Patient lifts or accessories

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Music or sound editing software
Avid Technology Sibelius
Steinberg Cubase Pro

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Math and Science
psychology
sociology and anthropology
Health
therapy and counseling
medicine and dentistry
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 88% Bachelor's degree
  • 8% Master's degree
  • 4% Some college, no degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Patient Representatives

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Residential Advisors

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Health Education Specialists

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Recreational Therapists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

 Job Training Match

Occupational Therapists

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Adelphi University

    Garden City, NY

  • Adirondack Community College

    Queensbury, NY

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Social (Helper)

Work Styles

  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Self Control

Values

  • Relationships
  • Achievement
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Attention

This is what Recreational Therapists across the country typically make.

$18.25 / hour
$37,960 /year

Entry Level

$27.46 / hour
$57,120 /year

Median Level

$44.27 / hour
$92,080 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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