Health Career: Recreation Therapist
Who are recreation therapists and what do they do?
Recreation therapists – also called therapeutic recreation specialists – plan fun, recreation-oriented activities for patients to help improve their physical, emotional and mental health. They design and lead activities for people with disabling conditions and illnesses such as brain and spinal cord injuries. They use arts and crafts, games, sports, animals, dance, music, drama, water and other materials to teach their patients social and physical skills. They also educate patients and families and provide information about resources and equipment for disabled persons available in the community.
How do recreation therapists typically spend their workday?
As a recreation therapist, you can work in many different settings with all kinds of people. Some of these settings include hospitals, nursing homes, schools and public agencies. You will work closely with nurses, doctors and other therapists as an important part of a medical team. You may treat a certain group of people such as children or adolescents, or you may work with a mixed group of adults and elderly persons. During a typical day, you may lead patients through games and activities, complete written evaluations of your patients' conditions and progress and suggest treatments to these patients' doctors. You may work one-on-one with a patient in teaching him or her how to throw and catch a ball, or you may lead a group of patients on a field trip to the park or the beach.
What does it take to be a good recreation therapist?
Do you like leading activities and helping others? Then you would make a wonderful recreation therapist. You should also feel comfortable working with people who are disabled and enjoy teaching and counseling others. You must be patient, creative, innovative and compassionate.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of recreation therapist?
Nursing home activities coordinator, art/dance/music therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist.
Related links and helpful information:
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
- ATRA – Education and Career Information Page
- National Recreation and Park Association
- Therapeutic Recreation Directory
