What Do Recreational Therapist Do?
Occupation Description 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 arts and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
A Day in the Life of a Recreational Therapist
- Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients’ mental and physical well-being.
- Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
- Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
- Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients’ reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
- Develop discharge plans for patients.
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Recreational Therapist?
When polled, Recreational Therapists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Recreational Therapist Jobs
- Therapeutic Riding Instructor
- Horticultural Therapist
- Activities Director
- Activity Coordinator
- Recreational Therapist
Recreational Therapist Job Outlook
There were about 19,200 jobs for Recreational Therapist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,300 new jobs for Recreational Therapist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Recreational Therapist are Alaska, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Alabama, Wyoming, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Recreational Therapist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Recreational Therapist ranges between $29,590 and $77,050.
Recreational Therapists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,860 |
| Arizona | $49,440 |
| Arkansas | $50,170 |
| California | $75,810 |
| Colorado | $49,300 |
| Connecticut | $59,450 |
| Delaware | $46,320 |
| District of Columbia | $68,430 |
| Florida | $48,290 |
| Georgia | $43,950 |
| Hawaii | $55,470 |
| Idaho | $40,770 |
| Illinois | $46,620 |
| Indiana | $42,280 |
| Iowa | $52,470 |
| Kansas | $35,850 |
| Kentucky | $45,330 |
| Louisiana | $41,180 |
| Maine | $49,390 |
| Maryland | $48,690 |
| Massachusetts | $55,570 |
| Michigan | $51,280 |
| Minnesota | $54,660 |
| Mississippi | $38,470 |
| Missouri | $46,000 |
| Montana | $44,730 |
| Nebraska | $39,420 |
| Nevada | $58,480 |
| New Hampshire | $46,660 |
| New Jersey | $58,220 |
| New Mexico | $38,680 |
| New York | $55,370 |
| North Carolina | $47,600 |
| North Dakota | $43,910 |
| Ohio | $45,750 |
| Oklahoma | $37,760 |
| Oregon | $55,410 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,900 |
| Rhode Island | $49,310 |
| South Carolina | $42,240 |
| South Dakota | $50,480 |
| Tennessee | $41,660 |
| Texas | $43,070 |
| Utah | $48,230 |
| Vermont | $43,120 |
| Virginia | $47,590 |
| Washington | $59,860 |
| Wisconsin | $44,970 |
| Wyoming | $50,170 |
What Tools & Technology do Recreational Therapists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Recreational Therapists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Avid Technology Sibelius
- MakeMusic Finale
- Speech recognition software
- Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software
How do I Become a Recreational Therapist?
Are there Recreational Therapists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Recreational Therapist?
Where Recreational Therapists Are Employed
Recreational Therapists work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Recreational Therapist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Barbara E. Carver via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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