Recreational Therapist

                     Recreational Therapist

Duties and Responsibilities: Recreational therapists work in a variety of settings. Therapists often work in hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. They also work in places such as substance abuse centers, rehabilitation centers, special education departments, and parks and recreation departments.

They may use offices for planning or other administrative activities, such as patient assessment, but may travel when working with patients. Therapists and their patients go to fields and parks for sports and other outdoor activities.

Some therapists may spend a lot of time on their feet actively working with patients. Recreational therapists also may need to physically assist patients or lift heavy objects such as wheelchairs.

Salary: $42,280

Education: Most Recreational therapist need a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field. Though less common, associate’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are also available.

Recreational therapy programs include courses in assessment, human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, and the use of assistive devices and technology. Bachelor’s degree programs usually include an internship.