A career in recreational therapy can be a very rewarding and fun profession for those who are passionate about helping other people and enjoy working with different types of challenged patients.
One of a long list of health professions that has seen increased demand in recent years, and is expected to continue to do so, there is more job availability than ever in the field of recreational therapy.
With numerous advancement opportunities and a median recreational therapy salary that is higher than many jobs, earning a degree could be a great option for anyone seeking a career in the therapeutic or rehabilitation segments of the medical profession.
How to become a recreational therapist
With recent changes in the educational requirements to become a recreational therapist, students must graduate from a minimum of a bachelor’s program to qualify for licensure.
However, your degree can be taken as a dedicated recreational therapy program or some other science-oriented degree program, as long as students include a required number of courses that are specific to recreational therapy.
In both cases, students are qualified to take the certification exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
The main difference in the requirements to take the exam is that those students who do not graduate from a specific program designed for therapists must also have completed a certain amount of work experience under the supervision and observation of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS ). ).
This supersedes any clinical experience and observation that students enrolled in dedicated educational programs will receive, and ensures that those seeking certification are aware of what it takes to work in the field and are good candidates for the profession.
As with most other jobs in the medical profession, education is continuing, so students must understand that in addition to graduating from the program of their choice, they will need to complete a required number of continuing education course credits. to maintain certification and license.
CE is often offered as convenient online courses, seminars, and meetings and is typically geared toward the working professional so they can easily meet their CE requirements.
Salary and employment
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary was $ 39.40 in 2010, with a projection of a slight increase as the job market has improved and demand for this profession has improved. it has also increased.
The full salary range for professionals ranged from $ 24,640 annually for the lowest 10 percent of employees to $ 62,670 for the highest 10 percent of employees.
Additionally, various job salary websites have listed the median salary in some markets as high as $ 44,000 in 2011. Professionals can earn higher salaries based on educational status, job advancement, and specialty certifications earned.
In Canada, the median salary is currently around $ 56,700 CAD annually, with variations across different provinces. The educational, certification, and licensing requirements are similar to those in the US.
There are many different facilities that employ recreational therapists. They include skilled nursing care centers, regular hospitals, surgical hospitals, psychiatric care centers, and substance abuse centers.
Others work for home health agencies, schools or special education departments, parks and recreational facilities, and more. Currently, it is estimated that about 22 percent of certified and licensed individuals work in skilled nursing care with elderly and disabled patients, which has the highest demand for professionals.
Breakthrough in recreational therapy
Most jobs are practical positions that work directly with patients of many types, depending on the workplace. However, those with sufficient work experience, and with the desire to continue their education up to the Master’s or Doctorate level, can advance in the profession and obtain supervisory positions, as well as careers in therapeutic planning and more.
Professionals who wish to focus on a more specific area, such as physical and mental rehabilitation, geriatrics, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and community inclusion, can also earn specialized certifications.
With the economy beginning to recover, salary and job prospects for recreational therapists on the rise, there is no better time than the present to consider enrolling in a recreational therapy program.
For those who are passionate about helping people, have patience, and a great ability to relate well with patients of all types who require encouragement and guidance, it can be a wonderful and rewarding career.