Recreation Therapy Jobs | Recreational Therapist | Recreational Therapist Jobs
Recreation Therapist Jobs – What is the Job of a Recreational Therapist ? What does a Recreational Therapist Job Involve?
Recreation therapists, also commonly known as therapeutic recreation specialists or recreation therapists, offer recreation activities for those who have disabilities and illness. These activities may include crafts, sports, games, community outings, and drama, in order to maintain the emotional and physical well being of their patients. Recreational therapy is used to reduce stress and anxiety, in addition to improving motor function and analytical ability.
Recreation therapists will help individuals who have disabilities work in the community by helping them utilize recreational activities and community events.
In hospital settings, recreation therapists will work on special health conditions of a patient, working with doctors and nurses in order to solve physical or emotional problems. Using fun and playful activities whether they be one on one or group programs, greatly improves a patient’s health and well being, helping them heal from illness faster and sort out personal issues.
The first step that a recreational therapist takes in evaluating a patient is to use medical records and assessments of medical staff, in order to identify the best activity possible in order to improve their client’s state of health. If a recreational therapy client is an extrovert, and does not play well with others, they may be taught how to socialize with other children, and relaxation techniques can help and anxious patient to come down.
Park and recreation facilities, usually sponsored by state or county governments, will usually hire recreational therapists in order to provide fun and healthy activities for adults and children. These activities will usually increase social skills and improve overall health through exercise and mental stimulation.
Working Conditions for Recreational Therapists – How is the Working Environment for Recreational Therapy Jobs?
The working environment for recreational therapy jobs usually involve a 40 hour workweek, and occasionally some heavy lifting of equipment. Recreational therapists will usually meet with groups of clients in order to target a common ailment or disability, whether it be helping an individual use public transportation, or helping them to cope with day to day life.
Recreational Therapist Schools Education – How to Become a Recreational Therapist – How to Receive Your Recreational Therapist Education
Recreational therapist jobs require an undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy, which involves medical terminology, studying illnesses, ethics, and program planning.
Recreation Therapist Jobs Certification – How to Become Certified as a Recreation Therapist
Some states in America require recreational therapy licensing in order to practice medicine in that locality. In 2006, the states of North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Utah required licensure to practice recreational therapy.
Recreational therapy certification is available from the Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialists certification, offered to those with a bachelor’s degree, sufficient internship experience, and successful passage of an examination.
Other skills of the recreational therapist should include a high level of patience in order to work with those who are disabled or ill, in addition to a playful attitude and positive mood in order to promote healthy habits and living situations.
Outlook for Recreational Therapist Jobs – What is the Future of Therapeutic Recreation?
Over the next decade, the field of recreational therapy jobs should grow in number by about 4%, a much slower pace than average for other occupations in the medical field. The rate of growth and recreation therapy will occur predominantly from an aging population, who may need help getting social skills and mobility. Most recreational therapists in hospital settings are being eliminated in order that hospitals can be cost effective.
Recreation Therapy Jobs Pay Scale – How Much Do Recreational Therapists Earn?
In 2006, recreational therapist jobs earned a median salary of $34,990, with those in medical hospitals earning the most at $39,320, while those specializing in geriatric community care earn at least $28,980 a year.
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