Recreation Therapist

                          Recreation therapist

Duties and responsibilities:

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Recreational therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, and dance, sports, games, and community reintegration field trips to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.

·      Assess patients' needs through observations, medical records, tests, and talking with other healthcare professionals, patients’ families, and patients

·      Create treatment plans and programs that meet patients’ needs and interests

·      Plan and implement interventions to prevent harm to a patient

·      Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as games and field trips

·      Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent

·      Teach patients about ways to cope with anxiety or depression

Salary:

$24,410-$67,280

Education:

Most recreational therapists need a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field. Though less common, associates, masters, and doctoral degrees are also available. Recreational therapy programs include courses in assessment, human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristic of illnesses and disabilities, and the use of assistive device and technology. Bachelor’s degree programs usually include and internship.