How to Become a Recreational Therapist

Becoming a recreational therapist can lead to a rewarding career helping people improve their health and well-being. This field focuses on using activities to support mental, physical, emotional, and social needs. Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a recreational therapist.

First, earn a bachelor's degree in a related field such as recreation, leisure studies, or occupational therapy. This education provides the foundation for understanding how therapeutic activities can benefit patients. Completing internships or volunteer work in healthcare or community settings offers practical experience and exposure to the field.

1. Get a degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy, occupational therapy, or a related field.
2. Gain experience: Complete internships or volunteer work in healthcare or community settings.
3. Pass the exam: Take and pass the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam.
4. Get licensed: Meet state licensing requirements to become a certified recreational therapist (CRT).
5. Continue learning: Attend workshops and courses to stay updated on the latest therapies and techniques.

Next, take and pass the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam. This certification is important for verifying your knowledge and skills. After passing the exam, meet state licensing requirements to become a certified recreational therapist (CRT). Finally, continue learning by attending workshops and courses. This will help you stay updated on the latest therapies and techniques, ensuring you provide the best care possible.

The journey to becoming a Recreational Therapist involves several steps. First, a person needs to complete a bachelor's degree. This degree should be in a field like psychology, social work, or recreation therapy. Many programs take about four years to finish.

After earning a bachelor's degree, the next step is to gain experience. This often involves working under a licensed therapist. Many states require about one to two years of supervised experience. During this time, the therapist-in-training helps patients with activities that improve their health and well-being. Gaining this experience allows them to prepare for their licensing exams.

A Recreational Therapist helps people improve their health through activities. They design and lead therapy programs for patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community centers. These activities can include games, sports, arts, and crafts. Therapists work with people of all ages who have physical, emotional, or mental challenges. They aim to boost patients' mood, skills, and quality of life.

This career has many benefits. Recreational Therapists often enjoy their work. They see patients improve every day. They work with a team of healthcare professionals. This job offers a chance to be creative. Programs can be fun and varied. Recreational Therapists also have opportunities to travel. They might work in different settings like schools or nursing homes.

There are some challenges to consider. The job can be stressful. Therapists must handle many patients and tasks. They need to be patient and understanding. They also must keep up with the latest research in therapy. Some Recreational Therapists may face long hours. The job can be physically demanding. Therapists must stay active and alert during sessions.

Weighing these pros and cons can help job seekers decide if this career suits them.

• Pros:
  • Helps people improve their health
  • Enjoyable work with daily rewards
  • Works with a team of professionals
  • Opportunities for creativity
  • Variety in work settings
• Cons:
  • Job can be stressful
  • Requires patience and understanding
  • Needs to stay updated with research
  • Can have long hours
  • Physically demanding work

The field of recreational therapy is gaining momentum as a vital part of healthcare. Job seekers interested in this role can find optimism in the industry's job outlook. The BLS reports an average of 51,700 new job positions open for recreational therapists every year. This figure highlights a stable and growing demand for professionals in this field. With such consistent opportunities, job seekers can look forward to a career path with promising prospects.

Prospective recreational therapists will be pleased to know that job openings in this sector are expected to grow by 14.2% from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate surpasses the average for many other occupations, indicating a rising need for qualified professionals. Increased awareness about the benefits of recreational therapy in mental health and rehabilitation is driving this trend. This positive outlook suggests that there are ample opportunities for job seekers who pursue a career in this rewarding field.

In terms of compensation, recreational therapists enjoy competitive earnings. The BLS reports an average national annual salary of $92,670. On an hourly basis, the average compensation stands at $44.55. These figures reflect the value placed on the skills and expertise of recreational therapists. For job seekers, these statistics underscore the financial benefits that come with a career in recreational therapy. With a healthy job outlook and strong earning potential, this field is an attractive choice for many professionals.