Recreation Therapist Jobs

A Recreation Therapist, also known as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, utilizes treatment services and recreation activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. They interact with diverse patient populations from children to the elderly, with a broad range of health conditions, such as developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and physical illnesses or injuries. Recreation Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for individuals in institutions, clinical environments, or community settings.

To become a Recreation Therapist, one must possess a combination of hard and soft skills. These include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, patience, empathy, creativity, and adaptability. They should have a strong understanding of human anatomy, disability issues, and therapeutic theories. Additionally, they need to be physically fit, as the job often involves physical activities. A bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field is typically required. Most employers prefer candidates who are certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Before becoming a Recreation Therapist, a person may have roles such as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Occupational Therapist Assistant.

1-15 of 662 Jobs

Come work with a great team! Signet Health, manages the Behavioral Health Services for MedStar Washington Hospital Center and is looking for a Full-time Recreational Therapist (CTRS). This person...

California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS)

Recreational Therapist

  • Soledad, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Soledad, CA
  • 1 day ago

Position: Recreation Therapist Annual Salary Range: $98,028 - $115,380 Recreation Therapists providing in-person care in an inpatient unit will receive: $112,728 - $132,684 Work Locations: Wide Variety...

Music Therapist (Surgical)

  • Boston, MA
  • 2 days ago
  • Boston, MA
  • 2 days ago

Demonstrated proficient knowledge in music therapy clinical practice, musical skills, child development and the impact of healthcare on neurodevelopmental outcomes....

Recreational Therapist Associate - Behavioral Health

  • Tucson, AZ
  • 1 day ago
  • Tucson, AZ
  • 1 day ago

El Dorado Springs, part of Lifepoint Behavioral Health, nationally known healthcare organization with diversified delivery network with facilities from coast to coast, seeks passionate,...

Music Therapist - PRN

  • Newburgh, IN
  • 30+ days ago
  • Newburgh, IN
  • 30+ days ago

Qualifications: Qualifications : Bachelors degree from an accredited institute in Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-BC, ATR-P LPAT), or similar field required...

Recreational Therapist - PRN

  • North Port, FL
  • 5 hours ago
  • North Port, FL
  • 5 hours ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

Music Therapist

  • Fairport, NY
  • 6 hours ago
  • Fairport, NY
  • 6 hours ago

QUALIFICATIONS: Civil Service eligibility for Music Therapist: Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university with a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy....

Music Therapist

  • Torrance, CA
  • 7 hours ago
  • Torrance, CA
  • 7 hours ago

You have an appreciation for a wide range of therapeutic approaches. You have a passion for working with children. You have knowledge of HIPAA regulations to safeguard patient information....

Certification/Skills: NCTRC Certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist OR Therapeutic Recreation Specialist/Texas Certified (TRS/TXC)....

Therapeutic Recreational Specialist / CTRS

  • Rockland, ME
  • 7 hours ago
  • Rockland, ME
  • 7 hours ago

Our Company Rehab Without Walls Neuro Rehabilitation Overview Our team at Rehab Without Walls is looking for a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to join our team!...

Recreational Specialist / CTRS

  • Brewer, ME
  • 7 hours ago
  • Brewer, ME
  • 7 hours ago

Therapist (CTRT) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Maintains professional license and/or certification if required by the state in which the CTRS practices...

Art Therapist Intern

  • Edina, MN
  • 14 hours ago
  • Edina, MN
  • 14 hours ago

collaborate with other Ellie Mental Health clinicians to develop multidisciplinary input to best serve client needs, referring to different modalities, and utilizing art therapy in tandem with other therapeutic...

Music Therapist

  • Milwaukie, OR
  • 19 hours ago
  • Milwaukie, OR
  • 19 hours ago

Required qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Music Therapy, or related field; from accredited college/university Upon hire: Current certification with the American Music Therapy...

Recreational/Art Therapist- Part Time

  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 19 hours ago
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 19 hours ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

Flex Recreational Therapist

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 19 hours ago
  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 19 hours ago

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Education: Requires Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation OR Music Therapy....

Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTherapy curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Leadership Skills Development for Occupational Therapists
The Leadership Skills Development MOOC for Occupational Therapists will support course participants to gain insights into their leadership potential, values and preferences. Together we will...
Therapeutic Recreation Course
Overview Therapeutic recreation allows people to achieve mental, emotional and physical well-being through an enjoyable journey. Explore the world of therapeutic recreation and gain an in-depth...
AI for Therapists
AI for Therapists: Automate Admin, Boost Client Support, and Practice Ethically with EaseAre you a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional feeling stretched thin by session notes,...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs Nationwide

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTherapy research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.



Highest Education Level

Recreation Therapists offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
50.8%
Master's Degree
31.0%
Associate's Degree
7.8%
Doctorate Degree
3.7%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
2.7%
Some College
0.5%
Some High School
0.1%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Recreation Therapists
Less than 1 year
50.0%
1-2 years
26.9%
2-4 years
15.4%
6-8 years
3.9%
None
3.9%



Recreation Therapist Related Career Advice Articles

physical therapist with a pediatric patient
What Employers Look for When Hiring for Therapist Jobs

Ready to launch your career in professional therapy? Find out what you can do to stand out to employers and get one step closer to becoming a therapist.

Read article »
How to become a physical therapist
How to Become a Physical Therapist

Wondering how to become a physical therapist? Use this guide to learn about what physical therapists do, how long it takes to be a physical therapist, and even the average physical therapist salary.

Read article »
Which physical therapy career path is right for you?
Which Physical Therapy Career Path is Right for You?

Just beginning your physical therapist career? Learn about the different types of physical therapy and choose the right physical therapy career path for you.

Read article »