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Field Description
Recreational therapists, or therapeutic recreation specialists,
provide treatments and recreation activities to individuals with
illnesses or disabling conditions to improve or maintain physical,
mental and emotional well-being and help reduce depression, stress
and anxiety.
Recreational therapies help patients recover basic motor functioning
and reasoning abilities, build confidence and socialize more effectively.
Treatments may incorporate arts and crafts, animals, sports, games,
dance and movement, drama, music and community outings.
Choose a program:
More About Recreational Therapy
Patients are evaluated with information from standardized assessments,
observations, medical records and discussions with medical staff
and family members as well as the individual. Recreational therapists
may instruct patients in relaxation techniques, stretching and limbering
exercises, proper body mechanics for participation in recreation
activities, and pacing and energy conservation techniques. Additionally,
therapists observe and document patients' participation, reactions
and progress.
Recreational therapists should not be confused with recreation
workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.
Career Opportunities
Overall employment of recreational therapists is expected to grow
more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year
2010.
Employment will decline slightly in the two largest sectors employing
recreational therapists – hospitals and nursing homes –
as services shift to outpatient settings and employers emphasize
cost containment. However, significant growth is expected in assisted
living, outpatient physical and psychiatric rehabilitation, and
services for people with disabilities.
Opportunities should be best for persons with a bachelor's degree
in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic
recreation.
Recreational therapists held about 29,000 jobs in 2000. Almost
40 percent of salaried jobs for therapists were in nursing and personal
care facilities, and more than 30 percent were in hospitals. Others
worked in residential facilities, community mental health centers,
adult day care programs, correctional facilities, community programs
for people with disabilities and substance abuse centers. A few
therapists were self-employed, generally contracting with long-term
care facilities or community agencies to develop and oversee programs.
Therapists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions.
Some teach, conduct research, or consult for health or social services
agencies.
In acute health-care settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation
centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate individuals
in collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social
workers and physical and occupational therapists.
In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists
use structured group activities to improve and maintain general
health and well being. They may also treat clients and provide interventions
to prevent further medical problems and secondary complications
related to illness and disabilities.
Community-based therapeutic recreation specialists may work in
park and recreation departments, special education programs for
school districts, or programs for older adults and persons with
disabilities (e.g., those in assisted living, adult day care and
substance abuse rehabilitation centers). Therapists help clients
develop specific skills while providing opportunities for exercise,
mental stimulation, creativity and fun.
Earning Potential
Median annual earnings for recreational therapists in 2000 were
$32,520 in hospitals and $23,240 in nursing and personal care facilities.
Salaries ranged from $17,010 to $43,810 a year.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about recreational therapy:
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