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What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational Therapy contributes to the broad spectrum of health care through treatment, education, and the provision of structured recreational opportunities--all of which are instrumental to improving and maintaining physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, preventing secondary health conditions, enhancing independent living skills and overall quality of life. Recreational Therapists help people get better and/or learn to experience healthy recreation and leisure activities by guiding them through a process of participating in goal oriented, structured recreation activities.
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What Does a Recreational Therapist Do?

Recreational Therapists use structured, treatment driven activities based on goals set for people receiving recreational therapy. These activities are designed to be enjoyable so that the person is motivated to get better and stay better. Recreational therapists might also focus on activities that help the person to socialize with others, enjoy recreation alone, or simply enjoy life. Recreational therapy is brilliant simplicity. Doesn't it make sense to you that people should enjoy their therapy while they work to get better and feel happy?
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Where Do Recreational Therapists Work?

Recreational Therapists are trained to work in a variety of healthcare, community-based, and non-profit settings. You might find Recreational Therapists working in hospitals or rehabilitation facilities alongside occupational, speech, and physical therapists. You might find recreational therapists working in facilities specific to the aging population, such as nursing and long-term care facilities. More and more recreational therapists have started their own private practice. Or, you might find recreational therapists working in community parks and recreation departments. These are just to name a few.

Recreational Therapy in the News!

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MSN recently ranked Recreational Therapy #10 in college careers that lead to a satisfying career. 

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"The job requires creativity and persistence, but it's gratifying when you see people move away from what they lost and focus on the abilities they do have."

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"While physical therapists typically need a doctorate degree, respiratory, radiation and recreational therapists make the big bucks on a B.A. alone, recent grads start off at $60,400, one of the highest salaries on our list."       

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"Recreation therapists get people with disabilities, injuries or illnesses to engage with the world again    through art, music and sports. They work in private, commercial, clinical or community settings."
--CNNMoney #9 of the "Best Jobs for Saving the World"

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The Economist recently rated recreational therapy as the least likely profession to be replaced by technological advancement and automation within the next two decades. 

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Contact: Alexis McKenney
  • What is RT?
  • More about RT!
  • Where is my RT?
  • How to Become a CTRS
  • Connect to RTs!
  • Watch RT Videos
  • IAART Blog
  • RT Wise Owls
  • Professional Organization
  • Images For Download
  • Recconnection Miami