Recreational Therapist

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  Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

Recreational Therapist

Also Called: Activities Coordinator, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Specialist, Therapist, Activities Coordinator, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Specialist, Therapist

What they 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.

$37,960
Starting Salary (2023)
$57,120
Median Salary (2023)
3.6%
Projected Job Growth
15,540
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Concern for Others
Cooperation
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity
Social Orientation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Service Orientation
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Critical Thinking

Expected Knowledge

Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

More Info

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