Recreation Therapist Jobs in Tennessee

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.

1-14 of 14 Jobs

Recreational Therapist - Full-time & PRN

  • Universal Health Services
  • Memphis, TN
  • 10 hours ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 10 hours ago

Job Description The Recreation Therapist is responsible for assessing patient’s leisure and recreational activities, providing age and developmentally appropriate therapy groups and establishing behavioral...

In Person Full Time

Certified Recreation Therapist (Ctrs)

  • Universal Health Services
  • Memphis, TN
  • 1 day ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 1 day ago

Responsibilities Compass Intervention Center is seeking a dynamic and talented Certified Recreational Therapist for our Acute Hospital. Our mission is to provide superior behavioral healthcare...

In Person

Activities Director/Recreational Therapist

  • LCS Senior Living
  • Brentwood, TN
  • 1 day ago
  • Brentwood, TN
  • 1 day ago

HIRING IMMEDIATELY* Starting at $57,000 per year exempt/salaried position Schedule Monday thru Friday, 8a-5p Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist...

In Person

Music Therapist FT M-Th (8:30a-4:30p) VUH

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Nashville, TN
  • 6 days ago
  • Nashville, TN
  • 6 days ago

Music Therapy (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of music therapy in practical applications of a difficult nature....

In Person Part Time

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - CTRS

  • Acadia Healthcare
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • 7 days ago
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • 7 days ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

In Person

Activities Director (Non Recreation Therapist)

  • Life Care Centers of America
  • Columbia, TN
  • 14 days ago
  • Columbia, TN
  • 14 days ago

Position Summary The Activities Director (Non Recreation Therapist) plans, organizes, develops, and directs quality activities for patients, ensuring that the recreational, physical, intellectual, spiritual...

In Person

Therapist.Music (2026-2027)

  • Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
  • Nashville, TN
  • 45+ days ago
  • Nashville, TN
  • 45+ days ago

Promotes a positive classroom environment through well delivered therapeutic interventions. Provides music therapy to students as outlined in eligible students' Individual Education Programs....

In Person

Full-time & PRN - Recreational Therapists

  • Universal Health Services
  • Memphis, TN
  • 45+ days ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 45+ days ago

Job Description The Recreation Therapist is responsible for assessing patient's leisure and recreational activities, providing age and developmentally appropriate therapy groups and establishing behavioral...

In Person Full Time

Recreation Therapy Specialist

  • Youth Villages, Inc
  • Memphis, TN
  • 45+ days ago
  • Memphis, TN
  • 45+ days ago

Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support....

In Person

Recreational Therapist - Behavioral Health Unit (PRN)

  • Lifepoint Careers
  • Gallatin, TN
  • 60+ days ago
  • Gallatin, TN
  • 60+ days ago

Qualifications: ['BLS certification', 'Current Recreational Therapist license', 'Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification']...

In Person

Recreation Therapist - Nashville (76281)

  • Centurion Health
  • Nashville, TN
  • 60+ days ago
  • Nashville, TN
  • 60+ days ago

Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or an Activity Professional Certified (APC) preferred....

In Person

Activity Therapist CTRS, MTBC, ATR

  • Acadia Healthcare
  • Germantown, TN
  • 90+ days ago
  • Germantown, TN
  • 90+ days ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

In Person

Art Therapist PRN

  • Acadia Healthcare Inc.
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 90+ days ago
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 90+ days ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

In Person

Music Therapist PRN

  • Acadia Healthcare
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 90+ days ago
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • 90+ days ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

In Person

Demographic Data for Tennessee

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


Local
National
6,903,473
143,447

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...
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,...
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...

Title Synonyms

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


Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Tennessee

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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee
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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