 Preparation
Most entry-level
recreational therapists need a bachelor's degree in therapeutic
recreation, or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic
recreation. People may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an
associate degree in therapeutic recreation or another subject related to
health care. An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in
art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience may be
sufficient for activity director positions in nursing homes.
The National Recreation
and Park Association's Council on Accreditation approves academic
programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to
enter the broad field of recreational therapy. Well over a
hundred academic programs prepare students to become recreational
therapists. Most offer bachelor's degrees, although some also offer
associate, master's, or doctoral degrees. Therapeutic recreation
programs include courses in assessment, treatment and program planning,
intervention design, and evaluation. Students also study human anatomy,
physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology,
characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, professional ethics, and
the use of assistive devices and technology.
 Some states regulate
recreational therapists through licensure, registration, or regulation
of titles. Requirements vary by state.
Although certification
is usually voluntary, most employers prefer to hire candidates who are
certified therapeutic recreation specialists. About 3 out of 4
recreational therapists work in a clinical setting, which often
requires certification by the National Council for Therapeutic
Recreation Certification. The council offers the Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist credential to candidates who have a bachelor's or
graduate degree from an accredited educational institution, pass a
written certification examination, and complete a supervised internship
of at least 480 hours. Therapists must meet additional requirements to
maintain certification.
 Therapists can also
earn certifications in specific areas, such as art therapy and aquatic
therapy.
Recreational
therapists must be comfortable working with people who are ill or
disabled. Therapists must be patient, tactful, and persuasive when
working with people who have a variety of special needs. Ingenuity, a
sense of humor, and imagination are needed to adapt activities to
individual needs, and good physical coordination is necessary to
demonstrate or participate in recreational activities.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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