What does a recreation therapist actually do all day?
Recreation therapists work with people who are disabled or recovering from physical or mental illness or injury. Working in hospitals and rehab centers, residential care facilities and community centers, recreation therapists get patients involved in leisure activities like arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, drama and music. RTs work with doctors as part of a patient’s healthcare team, assessing a patient’s condition and needs, and creating an individualized therapy plan. They may also design and lead group activities.
What kind of cash are we talking about here?
In the New York City area, the median salary’s about $44,000.
What do you have to do to get this job?
A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation is required. Those working as assistants usually complete a paraprofessional program. Most employers require certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (see nctrc.org). Certification requires a degree, an internship and passing an exam.
RTs need to have a positive outlook, creativity and a good sense of humor, and should enjoy helping others.
OK, tell me the bad part
The job can be physically tiring – you may have to lift equipment and lead activities. Some patients may be difficult to engage in activity.
What’s the upside?
Patients often enjoy seeing the RT show up. And using your skills and creativity to design activities that can improve another person’s life can be gratifying on many levels.