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 635 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...

Calling all outdoor lovers, community builders, and champions for our veterans and first responders! Do you thrive on meaningful connections, love planning unforgettable experiences, and feel at...

California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS)

Recreation Therapist – Multiple CA Locations Hiring!

  • Elk Grove, CA
  • 14 days ago
  • Elk Grove, CA
  • 14 days ago

Special Requirements Current certification or eligibility from the California Board of Recreation and Parks and/or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc....

Recreational Therapist - Behavioral Health

  • Fort Worth, TX
  • 21 days ago
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • 21 days ago

Your experience matters WellBridge Healthcare Fort Worth is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound...

Recreation Therapist (CTRS)

  • Staten Island, NY
  • 45+ days ago
  • Staten Island, NY
  • 45+ days ago

We are seeking a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) to join our dynamic team in the Neuro Behavioral Unit....

Recreation Therapist

  • Fargo, ND
  • 14 days ago
  • Fargo, ND
  • 14 days ago

Within the hospital inpatient setting, must maintain certification as professional Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) level through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification...

Music Therapist

  • Chicago, IL
  • 8 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 8 hours ago

s: Completion of a bachelors or equivalency degree in music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Completion of a masters degree in music therapy or other...

Music Therapist (H)

  • Miami, FL
  • 8 hours ago
  • Miami, FL
  • 8 hours ago

Designs music therapy experiences to meet clients goals or objectives. Adapts existing, or creates new music therapy assessment instruments and procedures, to meet an individual client's needs....

Recreational Therapist PACE

  • Saint Joseph, MI
  • 8 hours ago
  • Saint Joseph, MI
  • 8 hours ago

Join Our Team as a Recreational Therapist! Why You’ll Love Working Here: Career Growth & Development – Advance your career with tuition assistance and school scholarships up to $3,000 per...

Art Therapist - Four Diamonds Child Life

  • Hershey, PA
  • 8 hours ago
  • Hershey, PA
  • 8 hours ago

Apply now Penn State Health - Hershey Medical Center Location: US:PA: Hershey Work Type: Part Time FTE: 0.60 Shift: Day Hours: 8:30a - 5:00p Recruiter Contact: Corey Cunningham at [email...

Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Aquatics/Famcamp)

  • Eglin AFB, FL
  • 9 hours ago
  • Eglin AFB, FL
  • 9 hours ago

About the position: This position will be assigned to the Eglin FamCamp. This is a NAF (Non-Appropriated Fund) position assigned to the 96th Force Support Squadron at Eglin AFB Florida. Position...

Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility

  • San Luis Obispo, CA
  • 10 hours ago
  • San Luis Obispo, CA
  • 10 hours ago

Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility - California Men's Colony, San Luis Obispo California Correctional Health Care Services JC-488061 - Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility - California...

Recreational Therapist

  • Greenville, NC
  • 10 hours ago
  • Greenville, NC
  • 10 hours ago

This is an anticipated vacancy. The primary purpose of the Recreational Therapist position is to plan, implement, and evaluate quality recreational therapy (RT) treatment programs for adults with...

Music Therapist (Hospice) - FT

  • Skokie, IL
  • 10 hours ago
  • Skokie, IL
  • 10 hours ago

We are looking for a Full-Time Music Therapist to provide music therapy to patients, families, and staff in the Northern Cook and Lake County area....

Senior Recreation Therapist (NY HELPS), Washington Heights Unit, P26758

  • New York, NY
  • 10 hours ago
  • New York, NY
  • 10 hours ago

Therapist if they have either: Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, creative arts therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, adaptive physical education, art, dance,...

Remote Work

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
51.0%
Master's Degree
30.8%
Associate's Degree
7.8%
Doctorate Degree
3.6%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
2.8%
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%



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