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.