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FACTOIDS:
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• In New York, a group called Feathered Friends conducts pet bird therapy sessions for those in nursing and retirement homes.
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• In 1996, there were roughly 38,000 recreational therapists in the US.
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• Median annual earnings for recreation therapists were $27,760 in 1998.
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- Recreation therapists provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities, illnesses or other such conditions. They use a variety of techniques to treat or maintain their clients' physical, mental and emotional well-being. Treatments may include using arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music or community outings.
- These therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress and anxiety. They also help individuals recover basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, build confidence and socialize effectively to enable greater independence, as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability.
- In long-term care and residential facilities, recreation therapists use leisure activities to improve and maintain general health and well-being. They may also treat clients and provide interventions to prevent further medical problems and secondary complications.
- Recreation therapists assess clients based on information from standardized assessments, observations, medical records, medical staff, family and the clients themselves. They then develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with client needs and interests.
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- Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or 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.
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- A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic recreation is the usual requirement for entry-level positions. Individuals may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an associate's degree in therapeutic recreation or a healthcare-related field.
- An associate's degree in recreational therapy, training in art, drama or music therapy, or qualifying work experience may be sufficient to become an activities director in a nursing home.
- Most employers prefer to hire Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists.
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- Employment of recreation therapists is expected to increase 10 to 20 percent through the year 2008 because of anticipated expansion in long-term care, physical and psychiatric rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. However, the total number of job openings will be relatively low, because the occupation is small.
- Opportunities should be best for those with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic recreation.
- The rapidly growing number of older adults is expected to spur job growth for therapeutic recreation specialists and recreation therapy paraprofessionals in assisted living facilities, adult day care programs and social service agencies.
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Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics; American Therapeutic Recreation Association; Uselessknowledge.com
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