National
| Median wages (2008) |
$18.45 hourly, $38,370 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
25,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
5,000 additional employees |
29-1125.00 - Recreational Therapists
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and arts and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Sample of reported job titles:
Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Activity Director, Rehabilitation Therapist, Activity Assistant, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Activity Coordinator, Music Therapist (Rehabilitation), Activities Director
Tasks
- Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
- Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
- Plan, organize, direct and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community and prevent further medical problems.
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests and objectives of therapy.
- Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
- Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients themselves to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
- Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
- Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
- Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Canoes or kayaks — Canoes; Kayaks |
| Desktop computers |
| Patient lifts or accessories — Patient hoists |
| Pianos — Electronic keyboards |
| Potters wheels for hand made ceramics — Pottery wheels |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software |
| Music or sound editing software — Avid Technology Sibelius; MakeMusic Finale; Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software; Steinberg Media Technologies Cubase software |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
