Education and training requirements for Recreational therapistsA bachelor�s degree in therapeutic recreation, or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic recreation, is the usual requirement for entry-level positions. Persons may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an associate degree in therapeutic recreation or a healthcare-related field. An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience may be sufficient for activity director positions in nursing homes. Approximately 140 programs prepare students to become recreational therapists. Most offer bachelor�s degrees, although some also offer associate, master�s, or doctoral degrees. Programs include courses in assessment, treatment and program planning, intervention design, and evaluation. Students also study human anatomy, physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, professional ethics, and the use of assistive devices and technology. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified therapeutic recreation specialists. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is the certificatory agency. To become certified, specialists must have a bachelor�s degree, pass a written certification examination, and complete an internship of at least 480 hours. Additional requirements apply in order to maintain certification and to recertify. Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or who have disabilities. Therapists must be patient, tactful, and persuasive when working with people who have a variety of special needs. Ingenuity, a sense of humor, and imagination are needed to adapt activities to individual needs, and good physical coordination is necessary to demonstrate or participate in recreational activities. Therapists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Some teach, conduct research, or consult for health or social services agencies. More information on Recreational therapists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Recreational therapists occupation Number of Recreational therapists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Recreational therapists Working conditions for Recreational therapists Significant points for Recreational therapists Training requirements for Recreational therapists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |