RECREATIONAL THERAPIST


Recreational therapists implement a variety of recreational treatment plans to assist in the physical, mental and emotional well being of patients. Treatment plans include educational and recreational activities such as sports, games, music, art, dance, crafts, field trips, etc. These plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of the patients and address physical, emotional, social and cognitive conditions due to illness, disability or injury suffered by the patient. Recreational therapists employed in nursing homes may be called activity directors.

Education

A four-year bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation, which usually includes a supervised internship experience, is generally required by hospitals. An associate degree or training is usually required by nursing homes.

Registration/Certification/Licensor

Recreational therapists may be certified after graduation and passing an exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. To be eligible for certification one must have a bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation or a bachelors degree with any major as long as 18 semester hours in therapeutic recreation courses are taken.

Salary

$10,400-41,000

Employment Opportunities

Recreational therapists are employed in a variety of settings. Those settings include: nursing homes, hospitals (psychiatric, acute care, pediatric), rehabilitation centers, senior citizen centers, mental health centers, school systems, correctional facilities, child care centers, adult day care centers or they may be self-employed.

Programs

Eastern Kentucky University, Dept. of Recreation and Park Administration (859) 622-1833
Murray State University, Dept. of Health, PE & Recreation (270) 762-6188
Western Kentucky University, Dept. of PE & Recreation (270) 745-3591

Professional Associations

American Therapeutic Recreation Association
1414 Prince St., Suite 204
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-9420		 National Therapeutic Recreation Society
(a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association)
22377 Belmont Ridge Rd.
Ashburn, VA 20148
(703) 858-0784

Last updated:  June 26, 2001