Recreational Therapists
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.
Common Job Titles
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- Recreation Therapist
- Recreational Therapist
- Rehabilitation Therapist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign individualized therapeutic recreation programs synthesizing patient assessments, medical protocols, and creative activity modalities for diverse populations in hospitals and nursing homes.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient condition and functional capabilities in clinical settings, using psychological and therapeutic knowledge to recommend medically-appropriate recreational interventions.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered service principles with therapeutic recreation goals when establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships across diverse patient populations and care settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate medically-approved recreation programs including sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts in institutional healthcare settings, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and managing resources under time constraints.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of recreational equipment and adaptive devices, including therapeutic weight machines, musical instruments, sports equipment, and assistive technologies during patient treatment sessions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess patient progress and treatment effectiveness through continuous monitoring and documentation in electronic medical records, adjusting interventions to meet individualized goals.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient engagement and quality of life improvements when resolving conflicts and negotiating with interdisciplinary team members, family, and institutional stakeholders.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize program schedules, activities, and resources, managing multiple concurrent therapeutic recreation interventions while adhering to institutional policies and safety standards.Proficient
- MindsetEngage patients in therapeutic activities through motivational and persuasive communication, demonstrating social perceptiveness and active listening when working directly with individuals requiring specialized care.Developing
- KnowledgeApply therapy and counseling techniques when coaching and instructing patients on skill development, following evidence-based therapeutic recreation protocols.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Recreational Therapists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
15,060
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,520. 25th percentile: U.S. $48,230. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,280. 75th percentile: U.S. $77,680. 90th percentile: U.S. $96,600. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $39,520 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $96,600 |
| Workers on average earn | $65,350 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Psychology4.5/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Education and Training4.2/5
- English Language4.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Avid Technology Sibelius
- Email software
- Hyperscore
- MakeMusic Finale
- Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Speech recognition software
- Steinberg Cubase Pro
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Acoustic guitars
- Archery bows
- Audio tape recorders
- Baseball bats
- Baseballs
- Basketballs
- Bicycles