Career in Therapeutic Recreation

Answer 1

Recreational therapy is a rehabilitation and treatment service that promotes independence and functionality in one’s day-to-day life. Recreational therapists encourage patients to live healthy and active lifestyles if possible. They strive to assist patients stricken by disability or illness in overcoming their physical limitations, in order to participate in all life events that they wish to enjoy.

Education Requirements for Recreational Therapists

In order to provide recreational therapy to patients, one must obtain certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, or NCTRC. This council requires a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university and completion of an internship, as well as satisfactory completion of a computer-based exam, in order to grant certification.

Coursework for a Recreational Therapy Education

Academic programs will either refer to this program of study as Recreational Therapy, or Therapeutic Recreation. They are one in the same.

An education in this field will teach the student various aspects related to therapy, including physical, mental and biological science. Students will also learn theories regarding leisure and recreation. They will, of course, attend courses similar to those taken by all people in the health field, such as anatomy and ethics.

Upon completion of coursework, all Therapeutic Recreation students are required to complete an internship under the guidance of a certified Recreational Therapist.

Jobs in Recreational Therapy

There are various different job avenues available to a Certified Recreational Therapist. They can choose to work in hospitals, doctor’s offices or rehabilitation facilities. They are able to work with an array of people with different needs, including elderly patients, individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, people who suffer from addictions, children and patients with developmental incapacities.

It is a common practice for Recreational Therapists to gain employment from health care agencies and provide services for inpatient or residential facilities, nursing homes, mental health establishments, hospice centers, adult day care or assisted living facilities, substance abuse rehabilitation facilities and schools.

There is a great need for Recreational Therapists, as there will always be patients who require their services.