Recreational Therapists
Description OES Code: 32317
Recreational therapists provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or other disabling conditions. Therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients using a variety of techniques, including the use of arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.39
25th Percentile $12.48
50th Percentile $17.20
75th Percentile $21.11

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.02
25th Percentile $12.51
50th Percentile $13.77
75th Percentile $21.64

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Recreational therapists generally work a 40-hour week that may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 1,400
Projected Employment 2008 1,500
Percent Change 1998-2008 17.1%
Separations 1998-2008 200

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Recreational therapists provide services in special activity rooms but also plan activities and prepare documentation in offices. When working with clients during community integration programs, they may travel locally to instruct clients on the accessibility of public transportation and other public areas, such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants, and theaters. Therapists often lift and carry equipment as well as lead recreational activities.

Advancement
Therapists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Some teach, conduct research, or consult for health or social services agencies.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic recreation, is the usual requirement for entry-level positions. Persons may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an associate degree in therapeutic recreation or a health care related field. An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience may be sufficient for activity director positions in nursing homes.

There are approximately 160 programs that prepare recreational therapists. Most offer bachelor's degrees, although some also offer associate, master's, or doctoral degrees. Programs include courses in assessment, treatment and program planning, intervention design, and evaluation. Students also study human anatomy, physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, professional ethics, and the use of assistive devices and technology.

Most employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS). The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) certifies therapeutic recreation specialists. To presently become certified, specialists must have a bachelor's degree, pass a written certification examination, and complete an internship of at least 360 hours. Beginning in 2003, however, specialists will be required to complete an internship of at least 480 hours, in addition to the degree and examination requirements.

Skills & Other Requirements
Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or have disabilities. Therapists must be patient, tactful, and persuasive when working with people who have a variety of special needs. Ingenuity, a sense of humor, and imagination are needed to adapt activities to individual needs; and good physical coordination is necessary to demonstrate or participate in recreational activities.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)