altPath is a free tool to find your ideal career path

Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist

  • 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

Overview

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

1,400 in Total

Earnings

$93,080 Med. in CA

$0

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Day-to-Day

  • 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.

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

  • Relating with or serving others
  • Being creative or artistic

You are skilled in 💫

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Writing

You value 🙏

  • Accomplishing things
  • Independence
  • Having freedom
  • Achievement
  • Relationships
  • Personal relationships

In Action

Want to see what it's like to be a Recreational Therapist? We've curated a playlist for you to explore.

Recreational Therapist

This short video gives an overview of what this career is all about.

Want to see what else is possible? Search through more paths with altPath Discover.

Discover More