Recreation Therapist Jobs in Virginia

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.

1-15 of 16 Jobs

Recreation Specialist

  • Office of Shared Administration (WV)
  • University, VA
  • 17 hours ago
  • University, VA
  • 17 hours ago

Licensure/Certifications: Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) OR certification as a Activity Professional...

In Person

Recreational Therapist

  • Universal Health Services
  • Danville, VA
  • 1 day ago
  • Danville, VA
  • 1 day ago

Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification preferred. Two (2) years experience providing Recreation/Activities Therapy....

In Person

Therapist I - Rec Therapist

  • State of Virginia
  • Falls Church, VA
  • 4 days ago
  • Falls Church, VA
  • 4 days ago

Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is preferred....

In Person

Recreation Therapist (CTRS)

  • Universal Health Services
  • Newport News, VA
  • 7 days ago
  • Newport News, VA
  • 7 days ago

He/she must hold a Certification in Therapeutic Recreation (CTRS), be CPR certified, and hold a valid Virginia driver’s license....

In Person

Lead Recreation Therapist

  • Universal Health Services
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 12 days ago
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 12 days ago

Qualifications Job Requirements The following are the job requirements for the Full-Time Lead Recreation Therapist position: Undergraduate degree from an accredited school in Therapeutic Recreation...

In Person

Music/Recreation Therapist-Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

  • State of Virginia
  • Nottoway, VA
  • 12 days ago
  • Nottoway, VA
  • 12 days ago

Title: Music/Recreation Therapist-Piedmont Geriatric Hospital State Role Title: Therapy Assistant/Therapist I Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience Pay Band: 3 Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop...

In Person

Music Therapist Or Recreational Therapist

  • State of Virginia
  • Williamsburg, VA
  • 19 days ago
  • Williamsburg, VA
  • 19 days ago

Recreational Therapist certification via National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRS)....

In Person

Recreational Therapist- Part-Time

  • Augusta Health
  • Fishersville, VA
  • 23 days ago
  • Fishersville, VA
  • 23 days ago

Education Requirements Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in Therapeutic Recreation preferred Eligible for, or currently certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation specialist by the National...

In Person Part Time

Recreational Therapist

  • HCA Healthcare
  • Hopewell, VA
  • 30+ days ago
  • Hopewell, VA
  • 30+ days ago

BA or BS in Activity Therapy related field of study: Therapeutic Recreations, Art Therapy, or Music Therapy....

In Person

Recreational Therapist - COTA - $5000 Sign-on Bonus

  • Universal Health Services
  • Petersburg, VA
  • 30+ days ago
  • Petersburg, VA
  • 30+ days ago

Qualifications Position Requirements: Licensure/Certification/Registration: Certified or eligibility for certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist OR Certified Occupational Therapy...

In Person

Recreation Therapist

  • TriCities Hospital
  • Hopewell, VA
  • 30+ days ago
  • Hopewell, VA
  • 30+ days ago

BA or BS in Activity Therapy related field of study: Therapeutic Recreations, Art Therapy, or Music Therapy....

In Person

Recreation Specialist II

  • InnovAge
  • Richmond, VA
  • 45+ days ago
  • Richmond, VA
  • 45+ days ago

A minimum of one year working with the frail or elderly PREFERRED Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification Benefits InnovAge is dedicated to empowering seniors to live independently...

In Person

Recreational Therapist - PTA - $5000 Sign-on Bonus

  • Universal Health Services
  • Petersburg, VA
  • 45+ days ago
  • Petersburg, VA
  • 45+ days ago

Qualifications Position Requirements: Licensure/Certification/Registration: Certified or eligibility for certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist OR Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA...

In Person

Recreational Therapist - Part Time

  • Sentara
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 90+ days ago
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 90+ days ago

Education Bachelor's Level Degree Certification/Licensure Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist BLS within 90 days . ....

In Person

PRN Recreation Therapist

  • Universal Health Services
  • Leesburg, VA
  • 90+ days ago
  • Leesburg, VA
  • 90+ days ago

* Position Summary: The PRN Recreation Therapist is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating the activities of the facility to ensure appropriate recreation/leisure...

In Person

Demographic Data for Virginia

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


Local
National
8,631,637
205,142

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 Virginia

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 Virginia 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 Virginia
Less than 1 year
50.0%
1-2 years
26.9%
2-4 years
15.4%
6-8 years
3.9%
None
3.9%



Recreation Therapist Related Career Advice Articles

How to become a physical therapist
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 »
physical therapist with a pediatric patient
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?
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 »