Recreation Therapist Jobs in Missouri
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.
Minimum Qualifications: - College degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Music Therapy, or related field. - CTRS or Music Therapist Board Certification preferred, but not required Excellent State of Missouri...
Applicants certified in Therapeutic Recreation are preferred....
Responsibilities Provides therapeutic programming to improve the emotional functioning and coping needs of patients....
Art Therapist (Licensed) Full Time MO - Springfield, Springfield, MO, US 16 days ago Requisition ID: 7168 Salary Range: $64,000.00 To $70,000.00 Annually KVC Missouri Residential Treatment...
Recreational Therapist - SSM Health Day Institute
- Chesterfield, MO
- 8 days ago
- Chesterfield, MO
- 8 days ago
Current national certification from NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligible to take exam required....
Certification: Current national certification from NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligible to take exam required....
Overview SSM Health Day Institute (Neuro Rehab) - Warrenton, MO Recreational Therapist Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Full Time - Set Schedule!...
Certification: Current national certification from NCTRC as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligible to take exam required....
Preferred Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR Certified in specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.)...
QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Art, Music, or Recreation therapy, humanities, social work or related therapeutic discipline required....
Provides patients with information regarding resources and therapeutic art activities in the community....
Evaluates each patient's progress and the effectiveness of music therapy interventions. Coordinates therapeutic music activities for both large and small groups....
Qualifications for this role include: Education: Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy and Board Certification required....
Music Therapist - Behavioral Health Program
- Kansas City, MO
- 30+ days ago
- Kansas City, MO
- 30+ days ago
Responsibilities Provide Music Therapy treatment that engages patients and families in therapeutic music interventions that lead to optimal clinical outcomes....
Responsibilities Provide therapeutic art interventions to patients and family members that will enhance the individual?...
Demographic Data for Missouri
Moving to Missouri? Find some basic demographic data about Missouri 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 Missouri
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in Missouri 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
- Dementia Care
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Discharge Planning
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health
- Music
- Fitness
- 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 »