Recreational Therapists

Reducing melancholy, tension, and anxiety, regaining physical and mental skills, bolstering self-esteem, and enhancing social functioning are among goals that recreational therapists work toward with their patients.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT RECREATIONAL THERAPIST CAREERS

A recreational therapist is rewarded for minor victories that make a great impact in the life of a patient: the smile of a stroke survivor who discovers she can move her stiff, constricted hand; the pride of a psychiatric ward patient who develops a work of art. 

With America's ageing population comes a renewed emphasis on long-term care. As a result, more physical and psychological rehabilitation will be required in the coming years. They employ a number of strategies to assist persons with impairments, illnesses, or other issues in using their minds, hands, feet, and entire bodies. 

A recreational therapist can help someone who is discouraged by a difficult endeavour by using movement, games, art, and music. Though experience in some part of amusement is desirable, this is a health care job. Employment can be obtained at hospitals, rehabilitation centres, adult day service centres, or school districts assisting special education departments; alternatively, you may be assigned by a physician to visit a recovering patient at home. 

Certified therapeutic recreation professionals must have a bachelor's degree, pass an exam, and complete a 360-hour internship. Internships are frequently included as part of academic work in college programmes. If you are patient, diplomatic, persuasive, and creative, this job path allows you to make a positive effect in many people's lives.

Employment Projections

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Wages


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Characteristics

Leadership
Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Dealing and handling conflicts
Competition for this position

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More
Scheduling Work and Activities Know More
Thinking Creatively Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Clerical Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Psychology Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More
Therapy and Counseling Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Coordination Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Instructing Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More