Recreational Therapist

Explore This Path

Help patients heal through engaging activities like sports, art, and music.
Make a positive impact on mental and physical health through creative therapies.
Use fun and innovative methods to aid patient rehabilitation and community integration.

💰 Earn $81K-$100K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.3% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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 crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.
Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

1,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$93,080 in California

$57,120 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Relating with or serving others

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Recreational Therapist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years