A Recreational Therapist is someone trained in using recreation and leisure as tools to improve a person’s level of functioning and quality of life in all 5 domains of human existence (physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual).

Recreational Therapists work in a variety of clinical and community-based settings which can include:

• Behavioral Health Hospitals

• Physical Rehab Hospitals

• Community Parks and Recreation Departments

• Long Term Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Independent Care)

• Correctional Facilities

• Schools/Universities

• Military Bases

• Adaptive Sports Camps/Facilities

• Outdoor Camps

• In-Home Health

Recreational Therapists incorporate a person’s leisure and/or recreational interests into an active treatment plan for their clients. They do not provide activities strictly for enjoyment purposes, but rather use specifically chosen activities to help improve a client’s physical and cognitive functioning, teach coping skills to deal with behaviors, build a sense of purpose and esteem in client’s life, and aid them in reaching their unique goals.

Recreational Therapists require a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree to enter the field, however advanced degrees are available. Degree titles can include Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, Recreation Therapy, or have an emphasis in any of those areas. (Ie: Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration with an Emphasis In Therapeutic Recreation)

The best centralized places to find Recreational Therapist jobs and internships are on the Rec Therapy Directory Job Board, ATRA’s Career Center and Indeed.com.

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in the United States for a Recreational Therapist is $48,220.

Bureau Of Labor Statistics- Recreational Therapist

Over 80 different universities throughout the United States Of America (and some in Canada) have Recrecreational Therapy degree programs where a student can get their Bachelor’s degrees. Some of these schools also provide Master’s degree and PhD programs in Recreational Therapy.

To see a list of universities offering Recreational Therapy degree programs to find one near you, visit our Universities List page.

Recreational Therapists must possess at minimum a degree in Recreational Therapy (or Therapeutic Recreation), complete a 560-hour internship, and pass a comprehensive exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council For Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). If you live in a state with a licensure requirement, then you will need to get your license through the state licensure board as well.