What is Recreation Therapy (RT)?
ATRA defines it as, “Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Further, “Recreational Therapy” means a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.”
What is the Professional Organization for RT?
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
What is the Certification Body for RT?
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Specialization Area Designations offered for: Adaptive Sports & Rec, Behavioral Health, Community Inclusion Services, Developmental Disabilities, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation
What is the entry degree level for RT?
Bachelor Degree with a major in Recreation Therapy(RT) or Therapeutic Recreation(TR)
OR
A Bachelor Degree in any major with a minor/certificate/specialization in RT/TR
Regardless of the degree option, you must complete the courses required by NCTRC for exam eligibility.
You must complete an internship. Find an internship HERE.
What is the RT Scope of Practice?
“The primary purpose of recreation therapy practice is to improve health and quality of life by reducing impairments of body function and structure, reducing activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental barriers of the clients served. The ultimate goal of recreation therapy is to facilitate full and optimal involvement in community life. The scope of recreation therapy practice includes all patient/client services of assessments, planning, design, implementation, evaluation and documentation of specific therapeutic interventions, management, consultation, research, and education, for either individuals or groups that require specific therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy intervention. This scope of practice represents, at a minimum, the process and knowledge base delineated in the most recent National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Job Analysis Study (Job Tasks and Knowledge Areas for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and delivered by a CTRS consistent with professional standards of practice, and codes of ethics with the intent of enhancing consumer safety.” (NCTRC)
Where do RTs work?
Parks and recreation departments, hospitals, fitness centers, rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, adult day programs, correctional centers, mental health centers, addiction treatment centers, behavioral health centers, adaptive sports programs, equine assisted services programs, school systems (RT is a related service in IEPs for most states), and private RT programs.
JOB HUNTING?
Search terms- Recreational Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreation Specialist, Activity Therapist
LinkedIn
ATRA Job Board
Indeed
Backdoor Jobs
USA Jobs– VA Recreation Therapist postings
Federal GS Pay Scale
IL Activity Therapist postings
MO Activity Therapist postings
Move United Adaptive Sports Listings
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