Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapy is in the healthcare field and plays a beneficial role in helping people recover as they age. There are opportunities for this role in nearly every healthcare setting. Being able to develop personalized activities that help patients develop recreational skills, restore and rehabilitate physical and/or cognitive function, and in some cases, reduce the length of hospital stays.

Skills 

The skills needed for this role include good communication and listening skills and the ability to build relationships with people from all different backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Training and experience in the field of recreation, or a related field, is generally required. Some states require a certification or licensure. Several online courses can help you prepare for this career or even fulfill some training requirements. Online courses can help you prepare for a Recreation Therapist role and gain a more in-depth understanding of the skills and knowledge required for this role.

Education 

Most employers prefer at least a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field. Specific coursework may include therapeutic recreation, assessment techniques, activity analysis, and clinical experience. Certification is voluntary but is required in some states. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) offers a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential, which is the industry standard for demonstrating competence in the field. You can prepare for this certification by taking online courses in related subject areas. These courses can help you gain a more in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills required for this role.

Roles and Responsibilities

Recreation therapists may hold various roles and responsibilities depending on the setting in which they work. Some common roles and responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement, and lead therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries.
• Assess clients' needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Work with clients to improve their physical, cognitive, and social skills.
• Document clients' progress and provide feedback to other members of the healthcare team.
• Supervise and train other staff members.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in recreation therapy.
• Contribute to research and development in the field of recreation therapy.

Career Growth

Recreation therapists can advance their careers by pursuing additional education, such as a master's degree or doctorate. They can also specialize in a particular area of recreation therapy, such as working with children, older adults, or people with disabilities. With experience, recreation therapists can move into management or leadership positions.

Transferable Skills

The skills that you develop as a recreation therapist are transferable to other careers in the healthcare field. These skills include:

• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Organization
• Compassion
• Empathy
• Patience

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of a recreation therapist can vary depending on the setting in which they work. However, some common tasks include:

• Meeting with clients to assess their needs and develop treatment plans.
• Leading group activities, such as games, crafts, or music therapy.
• Providing one-on-one therapy to clients.
• Documenting clients' progress and providing feedback to other members of the healthcare team.
• Supervising and training other staff members.
• Staying up-to-date on the latest trends in recreation therapy.

Challenges 

Recreation therapists may face some unique challenges in their work. These challenges include:

• Working with clients who have complex needs.
• Dealing with difficult behaviors.
• Managing a large workload.
• Working in a fast-paced environment.
• Facing budget constraints.

Projects 

Recreation therapists may work on a variety of projects throughout their careers. These projects can include:

• Developing new programs and activities for clients.
• Conducting research on the effectiveness of recreation therapy.
• Writing articles and giving presentations on recreation therapy.
• Advocating for the benefits of recreation therapy.

Personal Growth

Recreation therapists can experience a great deal of personal growth in their careers. This growth can come from working with clients, making a difference in their lives, and learning new skills and knowledge. Recreation therapists can also find personal growth through the challenges they face and the projects they work on.

 Traits and Interests

People who are well-suited to a career as a recreation therapist typically have the following traits and interests:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for helping others.
• A creative and innovative mindset.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• An interest in health and wellness.
• A desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a recreation therapist. These projects can include:

• Volunteering at a local hospital or rehabilitation center.
• Shadowing a recreation therapist.
• Conducting research on recreation therapy.
• Writing a paper on a topic related to recreation therapy.
• Developing a new program or activity for clients.

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a recreation therapist. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. Online courses can also help you prepare for certification exams. There are many different online courses available, so you can find one that fits your needs and interests. Some of the topics covered in online courses include:

• Introduction to Recreation Therapy
• Therapeutic Recreation Assessment
• Recreation Therapy Interventions
• Program Planning in Recreation Therapy
• Ethics in Recreation Therapy
• Research in Recreation Therapy

Online courses can be a valuable tool for preparing for a career as a recreation therapist. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. However, it is important to note that online courses alone may not be enough to prepare you for this career. You may also need to gain experience through volunteering or shadowing a recreation therapist.