Recreational Therapist
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: CounselorsFind occupational information at this page, created by the U.S. Department of Labor, including employment, job outlook and wages, projections data, and links to important sources of additional information.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Recreation TherapistsFind occupational information at this page, created by the U.S. Department of Labor, including employment, job outlook and wages, projections data, and links to important sources of additional information.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Recreational TherapistCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for a recreational therapist. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data.
I am a Recreational TherapistLearn how to begin a career as a recreational therapist from this site, which connects to associations, recreational therapy programs nationwide, MySpace and Facebook groups, as well as YouTube videos.
National Institutes of Health: LifeWorks, Recreational TherapistClick on the tabs at the top of this page to learn about job activities, needed education, skill and interests, and more information on becoming a recreational therapist. Recommended high school courses, certifications and licensing information, and other sources of information are offered. Click on the interview link to learn more about why one person chose this career, her typical workday, and what she likes best about the field.
Therapeutic Recreation DirectoryResources for therapeutic recreation are created at this page, including treatment ideas, forums and chats, job opportunities, and an online newsletter.
Occupational Titles
Recreational Therapist
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Accredited Academic Programs
Colleges and Universities with Therapeutic Recreation ProgramsAn A to Z listing of colleges and universities is presented at this page, with contact information and links to home pages and programs specializing in recreational therapy.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Recreational TherapistThe median salary by years of experience for a recreational therapist is shown at the graph at this site. If you scroll down, you will find median salary by employer type and median salary by city of employment in the U.S.
Professional Organizations
American Therapeutic Recreation AssociationThe American Therapeutic Recreation Association is the largest, national membership organization representing the interests and needs of the profession. Learn about teleconferences, newsletters, and public policy of the field.
National Therapeutic Recreation SocietyThe National Therapeutic Recreation Society is a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association, specializing in the provision of therapeutic recreation services for persons with disabilities in clinical facilities and in the community. Learn about advocacy, news, and educational programs of the Society. Quick links to the career center and a directory of regional representatives are offered.
Licensing & Certification
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation CertificationThis organization is nationally recognized as the credentialing agency for national certification of recreational therapists. You will find answers to frequently asked questions about the career, examination information, and details for new applicants. Recent news addresses coursework and a national job analysis report.
Job Opportunity Sources
Therapeutic Recreation Therapy: JobsEmployment listings for recreational therapists, activity coordinators, and related occupations can be found at this site, which offers a search engine. Choose job settings, job types, and location to be returned comprehensive job descriptions, contacts, and URLs of the employers.
Publications
American Journal of Recreational TherapyThe goal of this journal is to provide certified recreational therapist with a tool for the latest techniques and advances in their field. Learn about substance abuse, elder care, special needs, and continuing education opportunities.
OT Direct: Online Occupational Therapy JournalsThis site is a reference source to methods of accessing literature in the field of occupational therapy. You will find some direct journal and electronic database links, as well as several journals and free search facilities for any student research.
OT PracticeThe current issue of OT Practice, which may be of interest in the field of recreational therapy, is available at no cost at this page and includes information in the field of occupational therapy, including techniques, career advice, and job opportunities.
Online Forums & Blogs
Recreational Therapy BlogRead recent posts and comments at this board, dedicated completely to recreational therapy. Find out about continuing education, discussions related to the profession, related links and products, and archived blogs.
Therapeutic Recreation Directory: ConnectFrom a collection of recreational therapy links, this forum includes chats, blogs, an internship directory, and a registration area to connect with others.
Career Videos
Certified Therapeutic Recreation SpecialistLearn about the belief of the recreation specialist and the recognition associated with national certification. You will be taken on a stakeout, where a recreational therapist will talk about what recreational therapy is and putting the “intrinsic motivation” back in the patient.
Recreational TherapistLearn about creating works of and invoking psychiatric and geriatric patients in rehabilitation programs involving their minds, hands, feet, and whole bodies to renew the spirit of patient who are daunted by their challenges. Learn where employment is found, internship placement, and educational requirements.
