Recreational Therapist
What They Do:
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. These therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
What They Make:
The median annual wage for recreational therapists was $48,220 in 2019.
Where They Work:
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Government parks and recreation departments
Career Outlook:
Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Sources:
Updated February 2021