Recreational Therapist

Throughout its long evolution, recreational therapists, who are also called therapeutic recreation specialists, have helped people who are mentally and physically injured become active. Recreational therapists use many creative therapeutic methods to help patients build confidence and regain control of their lives, including:

• Music
• Sports
• Games
• Arts and crafts
• Animals
• Dance, movement and drama

Besides physical activity, recreational therapists also help individuals with illnesses and disabilities maintain physical, mental and emotional stability by assessing medical records, weighing observations from family members and medical staff. By using recreational activities, these therapists help patients reduce stress and anxiety, combat depression and recover motor skills and reasoning functionality. Recreational therapists also help patients with disabilities reenter the community by teaching them how to understand and use community resources and facilities.

According to 2012 wage data provided by Salary.com, median recreational therapist salaries registered at $45,134 per year, with a salary range for recreational therapists of $40,246 – $50,474. All recreational therapists will find that their salaries will vary depending upon which area of the U.S. they choose to practice.

The majority of recreational therapists are employed in nursing care facilities, but other institutions, such as hospitals, residential care facilities and state and government agencies, also provide employment opportunities. Recreational therapists may choose to maintain a private practice and these therapists will work with community programs, school special education programs or assisted living or substance abuse rehabilitation centers.

Psychology students interested in becoming a recreational therapist will need at least a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. This recreational therapist degree program offers training in assessment, treatment, program planning and intervention.

Certification is not mandatory for recreational therapy jobs, but it is generally acknowledged that employers prefer candidates who have obtained certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. This credential is awarded to recreational therapists who have passed a written exam and completed a supervised internship of at least 480 hours.

Now that you've learned about the benefits of recreational therapy, finding the right accredited psychology school will help you achieve your career goals and get on the path to becoming a recreational therapist.

_{Sources: Recreationtherapy.com; Salary.com, 2012}