What Do Recreational Therapist Do?
Recreational Therapist Definition 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
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
- 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.
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
- Observe, analyze, and record patients’ participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
- Develop discharge plans for patients.
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Recreational Therapist Needed Skills
Recreational Therapists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Music Therapist (Rehabilitation)
- Dance Therapist
- Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Child Life Therapist
- Activity Therapist
Are There Job Opportunities for Recreational Therapists?
In the United States, there were 19,200 jobs for Recreational Therapist in 2016. 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 Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Recreational Therapists is somewhere 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 each U.S. state?
| 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 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
Becoming a Recreational Therapist
Education needed to be a Recreational Therapist:
What work experience do I need to become a Recreational Therapist?
Where Recreational Therapists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also 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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