Recreational Therapists

Loading state data...

Loading state data...

Back to Search
Add to favorites
Career Profile

Recreational Therapists

What they do

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Also Called: Activities Coordinator, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Specialist, Therapist, Activities Coordinator, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Specialist, Therapist

KS Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$29,720
Starting Salary (2025)
$40,010
Median Salary (2025)
3.3%
Projected Job Growth
710
KS Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Concern for Others
Cooperation
Dependability
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Social Orientation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Service Orientation
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Speaking
Instructing

Expected Knowledge

Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 92%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 5%
  • Master's degree 3%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Occupational Therapists
Psychiatric Technicians
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapy Aides

Add Recreational Therapists to your favorites?

Add to favorites
Back to Search  

More Info

Explore 106 major profiles, common career paths and strategies to maximize opportunities.

Visit Site

Search career information in detail by keywords, browse by industry, or via your interests.

Visit Site

Explore career options, find training and education, plan for your job search and find local help and services.

Visit Site

The Occupational Outlook Handbook - browse occupations and resources and explore occupation groups.

Visit Site

The nation's primary source of occupational information. Complete data and information breakdowns for all careers.

Visit Site
*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.