Recreation Therapist Jobs in Bethesda, MD
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 (5 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
- Washington, DC (5 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 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...
Community Offsite Events Coordinator (Park and Recreation Specialist I)
- Fairfax, VA (19 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 1 day ago
- Fairfax, VA (19 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 1 day ago
recreation, or a closely related field; plus two years of related experience in recreation center, park, athletic field, golf course operations, or community-based program coordination or a related...
Supervisory Recreation Specialist
- Washington, DC (6 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
- Washington, DC (6 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
CERTIFICATION: Provide a copy of your current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential, issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), Board Certified...
Community Offsite Events Coordinator (Park and Recreation Specialist I)
- Reston, VA (13 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
- Reston, VA (13 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
recreation, or a closely related field; plus two years of related experience in recreation center, park, athletic field, golf course operations, or community-based program coordination or a related...
Inclusion Services and Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (Recreation Specialist, Grade 21)
- Wheaton, MD (5 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
- Wheaton, MD (5 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
PREFERRED: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist....
- Alexandria, VA (11 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
- Alexandria, VA (11 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 3 days ago
Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Training & development Vision insurance Ellie Mental Health is hiring an Art Therapist for its Old Town Alexandria, Virginia...
- Alexandria, VA (11 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 7 days ago
- Alexandria, VA (11 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 7 days ago
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification required or ability to obtain this certification within 1 year....
- Largo, MD (18 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 11 days ago
- Largo, MD (18 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 11 days ago
Therapy and/or Music Therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved university (or undergraduate equivalency program approved by AMTA)....
- Falls Church, VA (8 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 18 days ago
- Falls Church, VA (8 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 18 days ago
Establishes goals and objectives for music therapy treatment, considering one's needs, capabilities, interests, and overall therapeutic value....
- Washington, DC (6 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 24 days ago
- Washington, DC (6 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 24 days ago
This is a part time position working 24 hours a week. The Art Therapist will develop, implement, and evaluate an art therapy program for children and adolescents in clinic-based and medical...
Recreation Specialist, Recreation & Parks Part Time
- Falls Church, VA (8 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 60+ days ago
- Falls Church, VA (8 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 60+ days ago
Recreation Specialist, Recreation & Parks – Part Time (On-site) The Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department is looking for an energetic individual to support the community events and...
Life Enrichment Manager-Health Care Center/Skilled Nursing
- Fairfax, VA (19 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 90+ days ago
- Fairfax, VA (19 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 90+ days ago
When you work at The Virginian, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of an extraordinary company - one that's investing in...
- Arlington, VA (6 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 90+ days ago
- Arlington, VA (6 miles from Bethesda, MD)
- 90+ days ago
Education: Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or an approved related field is required. Experience: One year experience in acute inpatient rehabilitation is preferred....
Demographic Data for Bethesda, MD
Moving to Bethesda, MD? Find some basic demographic data about Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in Bethesda, MD offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Eating Disorders
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Music Therapy
- Relaxation
- Gait Training
- Treatment Planning
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Anxiety
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Exercise
- Developmental Disabilities
- Yoga
- Masters
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Acute Care
- Discharge Planning
- Trauma
- Geriatrics
- Behavioral Health
- Fitness
- Music
- Mental Health
- Patient Care
- Wellness
- Basic Life Support
- Masters In Education
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Collaboration
- Documentation
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Research Skills
- 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 »