Jessie
What are some options for work as a Recreation Therapist?
This is my major and I'm interested in seeing where people work in this field! #therapy #recreation #therapeutic-recreation #physical-therapy #science #career #career-counseling #athletics
2 answers
Nathan Graeff
Nathan’s Answer
Hi Jessie, it's great to hear you've chosen Recreation Therapy! As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist myself, I can tell you that your options are endless. While you're probably aware of the "normal" settings like skilled nursing and mental health, there are also some great opportunities to work in other industries using your education as a Rec Therapist. Travel Training/Travel Instruction is a field in which you teach people with disabilities how to utilize public transportation and Rec Therapists are a great fit for this (think of every day like a community outing). The prison system in California is in desperate need of Rec Therapists and pays well (think 75k+). Other settings that are near and dear to my heart as with parks and recreation departments in their special recreation departments (larger cities), physical medicine and rehabilitation (like the VA's) or non-profit organizations like the YMCA, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of Recreation Therapists. Good luck on your future endeavors as a Rec Therapist!
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Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Emily
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Your work as a recreational therapist can help people with disabilities or illnesses lead more active and independent lives. With the help of patients' family members, you'll develop a program of leisure activities based on patients' needs, whether they be to build social skills, relieve depression or improve mobility and motor function. You may also be required to document your patients' improvement regularly.
As a recreational therapist, you might find yourself organizing arts and crafts, sports, dance, theater and musical activities. Some of the areas in which you might work include hospitals, nursing care facilities and community health centers.
https://learn.org/articles/Recreation_Therapy_Jobs_What_Are_My_Career_Options.html
Employment of recreational therapists is expected to increase 15 percent from now to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations due to the therapeutic needs of the aging population such as decreases in physical and or mental ability, which can be limited or managed with recreation therapy. Nursing care facilities are the largest industry employing recreational therapists and the need will grow faster than the occupation because the number of older adults continues to grow. Employment growth in schools may expand as a result of the increase of the school-age population of disabled students. However, because reimbursement for recreational therapy services is not readily available this will affect how and where therapeutic recreation is provided therefore, recreation therapy services will shift more to outpatient settings and away from hospitals.
Recreational therapists will experience competition for jobs because lower paid recreational therapy aides will be utilized in an effort to reduce costs. Job opportunities should be best for people with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation and the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential however recreational therapists may experience more competition for jobs in specific regions of the country as jobs in therapeutic recreation are more readily available in heavily populated areas.
Source:
https://www.campusexplorer.com/careers/0C88708C/recreational-therapists/
Good luck!