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Recreational therapists, sometimes
called activities therapists, plan and implement treatment programs in an
effort to improve a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well being.
These treatment programs are usually prescribed by a physician, and
consist of activities such as sports, music, games, arts and crafts,
drama, dance, and field trips. Recreational therapists confer with
physicians, nurses, families, and patients themselves to determine the
goals and objectives of the therapy. They then develop a therapeutic
regiment that is consistent with the patient’s needs, capabilities, and
interests. They observe and document the patient’s progress or regression,
then submit these reports to the physician and other members or the
rehabilitation team so changes can be made if necessary. A recreational
therapist’s main concern is helping an individual overcome adversity by
building confidence, helping patient’s socialize effectively, and
remedying the effects of illness or disability. Other work activities
include maintaining the confidentiality of patient therapy records,
educating the public on the benefits of an active lifestyle, and planning
leisure activities for patients in nursing homes and residential care
facilities. Recreational therapists may also specialize in areas such as
manual arts therapy or horticultural therapy. Individuals interested in
this type of therapy should have good communication skills and enjoy
working with people with a wide range of therapeutic needs.
Work Environment:
Recreational therapists work in a
variety of environments including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation
facilities, long term and intermediate care facilities, correctional
institutions, substance abuse centers, behavioral health centers, and
private practice.
High School Preparation:
High school students interested in
becoming a recreational therapist should concentrate on courses in
biology, algebra, English, literature, physical education, computer
skills, physical science, psychology, sociology, and health
occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in recreational
therapy must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers usually
require a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy from an accredited
institution, but may hire an individual with an associate degree or
sufficient work experience. The National Council for Therapeutic
Recreation Certification offers certification for therapeutic recreation
specialists who pass a national examination.
Students interested in recreational
therapy should contact schools for information on admission and course of
study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for
recreational therapists are expected to grow steadily through the year
2012. The rapidly growing elderly population is expected to spur growth in
the job market. While hospitals and nursing homes are cutting back on the
recreational therapy staff to cut costs, outpatient settings will see a
tremendous increase in the number of trained personnel needed. Employment
will grow in assisted living facilities, outpatient physical and
psychiatric rehabilitation clinics, and facilities specializing in
services for people with disabilities. Individuals with a bachelor’s
degree or a master’s degree will have the best career opportunities in
this field.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$34,100
Salary Range
$22,600 - $41,300
Professional Organizations:
American Therapeutic Recreation
Association (ATRA)
1313 Prince Street, Suite 204
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 683-9420
Fax: (703) 683-9431
www.atra-tr.org
The National Council for Therapeutic
Recreation Certification
7 Elmwood Drive
New City, New York
Phone: (914) 639-1439
Fax: (845) 639-1471
www.nctrc.org
National Therapeutic Recreation Society
(NTRS)
22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn, VA 20148
Phone: (703) 858-0784
Fax: (703) 858-0794
www.nrpa.org/content/
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