From -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What these workers do Recreational therapists help people who are sick or hurt get active again. They use sports, games, arts, crafts, and music to help patients build confidence and get back into life. These therapists are not the same as the recreation workers who conduct games and pastimes for fun. Recreational therapists find out what patients need. They do this by looking at medical records and talking to other staff. They also listen to the patients and their families. They then make up a program to help the person. For instance, they might help a right-handed girl who can't use her right arm any more to throw a ball with her left arm. What the job is like Recreational therapists often work in special rooms at hospitals. They might also work with clients on a playing field or in a swimming pool. They plan events and keep records in offices. They generally work a 40-hour week. This may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Jobs Recreational therapists held about 29,000 jobs in 2000. About 7 out of 10 worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and personal care facilities. Some therapists were self-employed. Preparing for the job A college degree in recreation therapy is a usual requirement. There are about 160 training programs. Most programs offer bachelor's degrees. Some offer other degrees, such as associate or master's. A national board certifies therapeutic recreation specialists. They must get a bachelor's degree. Then, they have to pass an exam. Recreational therapists should be at ease working with disabled people. They have to be patient and tactful. They need imagination to adapt games to a person's needs. They must have good physical skills to show people how to do some activities.
Employment of recreational therapists is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. They will serve a growing number of older persons and persons with disabilities. Hospitals and nursing homes will provide jobs. Adult day care, assisted-living, social service, and physical and psychiatric rehabilitation sites will also provide a lot of jobs. Pay Half of all recreational therapists made between $21,780 and $36,070 a year in 2000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,010. The highest 10 percent made more than $43,810 a year.
Aerobics instructors
American Therapeutic Recreation Association National Therapeutic Recreation Society National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification |