Recreational Therapists

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs to help maintain or improve patients’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. These therapists use a variety of techniques, including art expression; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings.

Duties

Recreational therapists typically do the following:

• Assess patients’ needs through observation, medical records, tests, and discussions with other healthcare workers and patients and their families
• Develop and implement treatment plans that meet patients’ goals and interests
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games, and community outings
• Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent
• Help patients to reduce and cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
• Document and analyze a patient’s progress to ensure that their goals are met and to modify treatment as needed

Recreational therapists use recreation-based medical treatment to help people reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic physical and mental abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively.

Recreational therapists are trained to use interventions to help patients of all ages. For example, they may help people with physical disabilities by teaching them adaptive sports. Therapists also may inform people about how to use community resources and participate in recreational activities.

These therapists also help people improve their mental health. They may provide interventions to help patients develop social and coping skills for managing their depression or anxiety.

Therapists may work with physicians or surgeons, registered nurses, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, teachers, or occupational therapists. Recreational therapists are different from recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.

Recreational therapists held about 16,100 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of recreational therapists were as follows:

Recreational therapists work in an office setting for planning or other administrative activities, such as patient assessment, but they also may travel when working with patients. Therapy may be provided in a clinical or community setting. For example, therapists may take their patients to recreation centers or parks for sports and other activities.

Some therapists spend a lot of time standing when actively working with patients. They also may need to physically assist patients or lift heavy objects, such as wheelchairs.

Injuries and Illnesses

Recreational therapists have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Injuries may occur due incidents such as overexertion and exposure to diseases, viruses, or harmful substances. Workers reduce the risk of injury by following safety procedures and practices, such as using proper exercise form and adhering to personal hygiene guidelines in shared environments.

Work Schedules

Most recreational therapists work full time. Some recreational therapists work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their patients.

Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Many employers require them to be certified.

The median annual wage for recreational therapists was $60,280 in May 2024.

Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 1,300 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.