Recreation Therapist Jobs in District of Columbia
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.

Recreation Therapist ( CTRS ) - Medstar Washington Hospital Center - Inpatient Psychiatry
- Washington, DC
- 2 days ago
- Washington, DC
- 2 days ago
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...
Art Therapist - Inpatient Behavioral Health - Medstar Washington Hospital Center
- Washington, DC
- 8 days ago
- Washington, DC
- 8 days ago
Our team uses evidence-based treatment modalities to help provide cutting-edge and quality therapeutic services to those that need it most in the District of Columbia area, as well as surrounding states...
Recreational Therapist (CTRS) - Medstar Washington Hospital Center - Inpatient Psychiatry
- Washington, DC
- 8 days ago
- Washington, DC
- 8 days ago
Requisition Number: 2025-5619 Type of Position: Full-Time Location: Washington, DC Apply Now Overview Come work with a great team! Signet Health, manages the Behavioral Health Services for MedStar...
Demographic Data for District of Columbia
Moving to District of Columbia? Find some basic demographic data about District of Columbia below.
Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles
Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in District of Columbia
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in District of Columbia offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Music Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Developmental Disabilities
- Exercise
- Group Counseling
- Care Planning
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Discharge Planning
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health
- Music
- Fitness
- Home Care
- Hospital Operations
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Program Development
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Recreation Therapist Related Career Advice Articles

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 »
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 »
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 »