Education
In order to get ready for a career in recreational therapy, it is highly recommended to take biology, chemistry, math, psychology, sociology, history, physical education, music, drama and art courses. You will also have to cultivate your penning and communication abilities, so take English and intercommunication classes.
Most of these recommendations will be met as a bachelor’s degree is required to start working in this occupation. Along with in-class studies, students also enroll in various recreational courses, such as backpacking and bowling, and are usually required to do an internship.
Salary
- Recreational therapists made an average salary of $37,000 in 2007, according to the United States Department of Labor.
- Salaries can range from $22,000 a year to over $ 58,000 per annum.
Job Outlook
Jobs for recreational therapists is anticipated to increase slower than the average for all professions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The majority of opportunities for recreational therapists will be in nursing homes. Expansion in hospital employment is not anticipated to be significant.
However, considerable growth is forecasted for community programs for special populations. Most of these programs assist the physically impaired, mentally disabled, or seniors who are psychologically ill or addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Resources
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association http://atra-online.com/cms
- National Therapeutic Recreation Society http://www.nrpa.org
Recreational therapists assist individuals with psychological, physical, or emotional conditions in an effort to make them feel better. They implement leisure or recreational activities as a type of therapy to alleviate patients’ symptoms, improve function, and enhance their mental, physical, and emotional well being. Games, sports, movies, crafts, arts, day trips and plays are just a handful of examples of endeavors that can aid patients. Recreational therapists are additionally referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists.
Recreational therapists initially consult with a patient’s physician, psychologist, physical therapist, social worker or other healthcare experts. They must comprehend the patient’s disease, present physical and intellectual capacities, emotional condition, and rehabilitation objectives. The patient’s relatives and loved ones are also questioned to discover the patient’s hobbies and interests. The recreational therapist applies this info to better organize activities for the patient.
There are a number of sub-disciplines in the field of recreation therapy that emphasize a particular treatment method. Dance therapists instruct dance and form motion workouts to strengthen patients’ physical shape and self-confidence. Arts and crafts therapists use a variety of art forms, including sketching, painting and pottery, to collaborate with patients. Music therapists teach individual or group singing, performing in bands, enjoying music, or seeing live music shows. Certain therapists deal with pets and other animals, like dogs. Also, planting and horticulture can aid patients, as demonstrated from the function of horticultural therapists. Each recreational therapist diligently keeps track of and documents his or her patient’s improvement and disclose it to the various staff on the health care team.
Proficient recreational therapists possess calm demeanor and a positive frame of mind. They offer excellent people skills so as to assist patients from all types of cultures in a range of environments. Furthermore, they need to take pleasure in and be enthused regarding the activities whereby they work with their clients, like exercise, art, dance, or music.
Most recreational therapists operate in nursing establishments and medical centers. Some other employment opportunities for recreational therapists include in-patient programs, drug rehabilitation centers, long-term physical rehabilitation facilities, at-home care, penitentiaries, and psychiatric facilities. A number of therapists work independently.
Tips for becoming a Recreational Therapist
- Participate to work in a nursing home, hospital, or other medical facility for individuals with disabilities. These establishments are often seeking volunteers to collaborate with and spend time with patients.
- Join physical fitness classes at your school or local gym.
- Discover an assortment of sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, and other leisure activities that could be beneficial in your potential career in recreational therapy.
- Speak with a recreational therapist regarding their career and what they like and may dislike about his or her job.
