What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Recreation therapists, or therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment and activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses to improve physical, mental, and emotional well being. They use techniques like arts, sports, music, and community outings to help clients reduce stress, improve motor and reasoning skills, build confidence, and enhance socialization. Therapists also assist clients with community integration and collaborate with health care professionals in a variety of health care settings. They assess clients, develop interventions, and adapt activities to meet individual needs.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
The largest employer of recreational therapists is nursing care facilities. Recreational therapists also work at hospitals, other residential care facilities, and state and local government agencies. Most recreational therapists work full time, and they work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their clients. Some are self-employed and work for multiple health care organizations.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $65,091
Entry-level salary: $50,678
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Recreational Therapists are expected to grow statewide by 25% between 2022 and 2032, with 180 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation is the usual educational requirement for recreational therapists. Programs in recreational therapy include courses in physiology, abnormal psychology, human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristic of illnesses and disabilities, treatment and program planning, intervention design, evaluation, and the use of assistive devices and technology.
For More Information:
Council on Accreditation: Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions:
https://accreditationcouncil.org/Accredited-Programs-Directory
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
New York does not require recreational therapists to be licensed, however most employers prefer to hire those who have been certified that includes passing the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification written exam and completing at least 480 hours of supervised experience.
For More Information:
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification: https://www.nctrc.org/new-applicants/become-a-ctrs/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification: https://www.nctrc.org/nctrc-scholarship/
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Utica University | BS | Utica | Mohawk Valley | Visit |
SUNY Cortland | BS | Cortland | Central NY | Visit |
St. Joseph's University | BS | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
St. Thomas Aquinas College | BS | Sparkill | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Lehman College CUNY | BS | Bronx | New York City | Visit |
Kingsborough Community College CUNY | AS | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
LaGuardia Community College CUNY | AS | Long Island City | New York City | Visit |
Bronx Community College CUNY | AS | Bronx | New York City | Visit |