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 668 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 – Multiple Locations Hiring! Increased Salaries are Just the Beginning… The past few years have seen dramatic shifts in the health care landscape....

Recreation Therapist

  • Winston Salem, NC
  • 90+ days ago
  • Winston Salem, NC
  • 90+ days ago

Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Licensed Recreational Therapist (LRT) in North Carolina....

Music Therapist, MT-BC, Hospice, $10,000 Bonus

  • Miami, FL
  • 6 days ago
  • Miami, FL
  • 6 days ago

Therapy and/or Music Therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved university (or undergraduate equivalency program approved by AMTA)....

Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Community Activities) NF-04

  • Fort Hamilton, NY
  • 1 hour ago
  • Fort Hamilton, NY
  • 1 hour ago

Summary This position is located with the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Hamilton, NY. To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information...

Aya Healthcare has an immediate opening for the following position: Art Therapist in Syracuse, NY. We'll work with you to build the healthcare career of your dreams. Whether you want a job close...

Aya Healthcare has an immediate opening for the following position: Art Therapist in Syracuse, NY. We'll work with you to build the healthcare career of your dreams. Whether you want a job close...

Recreation Specialist - Front Desk

  • FL
  • 7 hours ago
  • FL
  • 7 hours ago

Recreation Specialist - Front Desk Recreation Specialist - Front Desk Salary $17.86 Hourly Location FL 33410, FL Job Type Regular Part-Time Job Number 6.25-409953 Department RECREATION Opening...

Recreation/Recreational Therapist - $25-36 per hour

  • Palm Valley, TX
  • 8 hours ago
  • Palm Valley, TX
  • 8 hours ago

Posted job title: Certified Recreation Therapist Full Time Days Benefits Health Care FSA Dependent Care FSA Life insurance...

Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Fitness)

  • Annapolis, MD
  • 8 hours ago
  • Annapolis, MD
  • 8 hours ago

Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Fitness) Naval District Washington (NDW) (NAF) $62,610.00 - $73,045.00 / yr United States, Maryland, Annapolis Jun 11, 2025 Duties Program Management (includes...

Recreational Therapist - PRN

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 8 hours ago
  • Pensacola, FL
  • 8 hours ago

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS_Certified) Upon Hire Required BLS for Healthcare Providers (BLS) American Heart Association Upon Hire Required CPI within 90 Days Required Ukeru User Certification...

Permanent Therapy/Rehabilitation Recreational Therapist

  • Seattle, WA
  • 8 hours ago
  • Seattle, WA
  • 8 hours ago

Aya Healthcare has an immediate opening for a Permanent Therapy/Rehabilitation Recreational Therapist job in Seattle, Washington paying $30.00 to $45.00 hourly. This is a 104 week contract...

Recreation Specialist (Chambers Park)

  • Kissimmee, FL
  • 8 hours ago
  • Kissimmee, FL
  • 8 hours ago

RECREATION SPECIALIST (CHAMBERS PARK) City of Kissimmee $20.99 United States, Florida, Kissimmee 101 Church Street (Show on map) Jun 11, 2025 RECREATION SPECIALIST (CHAMBERS PARK) Recreation...

Recreation Therapist (PE Teacher)

  • Gulfport, MS
  • 9 hours ago
  • Gulfport, MS
  • 9 hours ago

Therapeutic Therapist II (Recreation) ** **Job Code: 9272 Annual Salary: $31,111.11- Work Schedule: Will be discussed in the interview ****Apply: download and complete both the **[**MS State Application...

Music Therapist - Hospice

  • Vero Beach, FL
  • 9 hours ago
  • Vero Beach, FL
  • 9 hours ago

Qualifications Must have a degree in Music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association....

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%



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