Recreation Therapist Jobs in Illinois

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.

1-12 of 12 Jobs

Pediatric Music Therapist

  • Aurora Healthcare
  • Oak Lawn, IL
  • 5 days ago
  • Oak Lawn, IL
  • 5 days ago

Interprets and promotes the therapeutic benefits of music therapy to the multidisciplinary team throughout AAH and to the broader community....

In Person

Recreation Therapist

  • Veterans Health Administration
  • Chicago, IL
  • 8 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 8 days ago

OR, (b) A bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university and must be a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS)....

In Person

Recreation Therapist

  • Sinai Chicago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 11 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 11 days ago

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS: Must be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligible. If eligible, must obtain CTRS within 180 days of employment....

In Person

Recreation Therapist

  • Liberty Healthcare Corporation
  • Rushville, IL
  • 12 days ago
  • Rushville, IL
  • 12 days ago

As a Recreation Therapist with Liberty Healthcare, your day-to-day responsibilities will include: Actively contributing to a dynamic therapeutic recreation program within a secure treatment setting...

In Person

Certified Recreation Therapist (69570)

  • Centurion Health
  • Pontiac, IL
  • 20 days ago
  • Pontiac, IL
  • 20 days ago

Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am to 4:00pm Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field required Certification as a Recreational Therapist (CTRS) required Experience...

In Person

Art Therapist

  • Aurora Healthcare
  • Oak Lawn, IL
  • 26 days ago
  • Oak Lawn, IL
  • 26 days ago

Issued by (Governing Body): Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Level of Education: Masters Degree in Art Therapy Field of Study (if applicable): Years of Experience: One or more years of Art Therapy...

In Person

Recreational Therapist

  • Bloomingdale, IL
  • 30+ days ago
  • Bloomingdale, IL
  • 30+ days ago

Similar Industry Titles and Keywords: Recreation Therapist, CTRS Experience and Skills Qualifications: Must be certified (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Association Must...

In Person

2026-2027 Music Therapist

  • The Cove School
  • Northbrook, IL
  • 45+ days ago
  • Northbrook, IL
  • 45+ days ago

Promote understanding of the role and benefits of music therapy within the school community. Maintain current knowledge of best practices in music therapy through ongoing professional learning....

In Person

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

  • Rosecrance Inc
  • Champaign, IL
  • 90+ days ago
  • Champaign, IL
  • 90+ days ago

Qualifications: • Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Art Therapy, or other related therapies • Holds CTRS or other approved recognized discipline- specific credential or eligible...

In Person

Music/Art Therapist

  • Universal Health Services
  • Champaign, IL
  • 90+ days ago
  • Champaign, IL
  • 90+ days ago

music therapy to apply for this rewarding position....

In Person Part Time

PT Music Therapist

  • FullBloom
  • Moline, IL
  • 90+ days ago
  • Moline, IL
  • 90+ days ago

Overview The music therapist will provide individual, dyad, and group music therapy, while participating in interdisciplinary treatment planning by developing a music therapy treatment plan and collaborating...

In Person

Certified Recreation Therapist (69571)

  • Centurion
  • Rockdale, IL
  • 90+ days ago
  • Rockdale, IL
  • 90+ days ago

Under the direction of professional mental health staff, the Recreation Therapist will use recreational activities to accomplish treatment objectives, foster skill building and problem solving in support...

In Person

Demographic Data for Illinois

Moving to Illinois? Find some basic demographic data about Illinois below.


Local
National
12,812,477
319,486

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

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


Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Illinois

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 Illinois 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 Illinois
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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