Recreation Therapist Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

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.

1-5 of 5 Jobs

Recreational Therapist - Corrections

  • Health Advocates Network, Inc.
  • Delano, CA (24 miles from Bakersfield, CA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Delano, CA (24 miles from Bakersfield, CA)
  • 1 day ago

program targeted toward what that patient requires most Keep current on communal and therapeutic resources available to best help the patients Document a patient's progress during their activities...

In Person

Recreational Therapist

  • Health Advocates Network, Inc.
  • Delano, CA (24 miles from Bakersfield, CA)
  • 21 days ago
  • Delano, CA (24 miles from Bakersfield, CA)
  • 21 days ago

Benefits We Offer: Comprehensive health, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability plans Competitive pay rates Referral opportunities? Refer a friend & Cash in! Travel reimbursement and...

In Person

New Recreational Therapist

  • Health Advocates Network, Inc.
  • Delano, CA (24 miles from Bakersfield, CA)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Delano, CA (24 miles from Bakersfield, CA)
  • 30+ days ago

program targeted toward what that patient requires most Keep current on communal and therapeutic resources available to best help the patients Document a patient's progress during their activities...

In Person

Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility

  • State of California
  • Bakersfield, CA
  • 45+ days ago
  • Bakersfield, CA
  • 45+ days ago

Current certification or eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification...

In Person Part Time

Director of Recreation Recreation Therapist

  • Crestwood Behavioral Health
  • Bakersfield, CA
  • 60+ days ago
  • Bakersfield, CA
  • 60+ days ago

recreation who is registered or eligible for registration as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Parks and Recreation Certification or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation...

In Person

Demographic Data for Bakersfield, CA

Moving to Bakersfield, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Bakersfield, CA below.


Local
National
586,945
10,276
Large

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.
Therapist Certificate Course Online
In this part-time, online Therapist Certificate Course, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to how to become a therapist. You will learn about the key aspects of therapy, including...
Therapist Master Professional Certification Course
The Therapist Master Professional Certification Course is an advanced certificate course offered online by International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) for...
Medicine, Recreation, and the Long History of Cannabis
Cannabis is a curious plant. It has led vastly different livesas a raw material, intoxicant, pain reliever, and artistic enhancer. It has become a conduit of bohemian creative enterprise,...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

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 in Bakersfield, CA offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
51.5%
Master's Degree
30.6%
Associate's Degree
7.7%
Doctorate Degree
3.6%
High School or GED
3.3%
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 in Bakersfield, CA
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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