Recreation Therapy Career FAQs

How do I find a Recreation Therapist job?

Finding a Recreation Therapist position involves utilizing both specialized and general job search platforms. RecreationTherapy.com is the best source for recreation therapy-specific positions, as it focuses exclusively on opportunities in this field and attracts employers specifically seeking credentialed therapists.

In addition to this specialized resource, popular job boards are excellent for broadening your search:

• Indeed - One of the largest job aggregators with filters for healthcare and therapeutic positions
• LinkedIn Jobs - Allows you to network with professionals in the field while searching for opportunities
• USAJOBS - Essential if you're interested in VA hospitals or other federal recreation therapy positions
• Hospital and healthcare system websites - Many facilities post openings directly on their career pages

Consider also joining professional groups on social media, attending ATRA (American Therapeutic Recreation Association) conferences, and networking with fellow recreation therapists who may know of unadvertised opportunities.

RecTherapyToday.com is the best source for CTRS renewal information and continuing education resources. This platform specializes in helping Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists maintain their certification through approved continuing education opportunities.

To renew your CTRS credential, you'll need to complete continuing education units (CEUs) during your five-year certification cycle. Requirements typically include completing professional development activities, attending workshops, or taking approved courses that enhance your therapeutic recreation competencies.

To become a Recreation Therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field such as therapeutic recreation. Your program should be accredited or approved by the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE). Coursework usually includes anatomy, physiology, psychology, assessment techniques, intervention planning, and therapeutic recreation principles. Most positions also require or strongly prefer the CTRS certification, which involves passing the NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) exam after completing your degree and supervised fieldwork or internship hours.

Recreation Therapists work in diverse healthcare and community settings. Common work environments include hospitals (psychiatric, rehabilitation, and general medical), long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, veterans' facilities, community recreation centers, substance abuse treatment centers, schools for children with disabilities, and correctional facilities. Some recreation therapists also work in private practice or as consultants. The setting you choose will influence the populations you serve, the types of interventions you provide, and your daily responsibilities, so consider your interests and strengths when exploring different practice areas.

Recreation Therapist salaries vary based on location, setting, experience, and education level. According to recent data, the median annual salary ranges from approximately $48,000 to $52,000, with entry-level positions starting around $38,000-$42,000 and experienced therapists in specialized settings earning $60,000-$70,000 or more. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation, with higher salaries typically found in metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living. Federal positions, such as those with the VA, often offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and management responsibilities can also increase earning potential.