Requirements /competencies of the field
Recreational Therapist, qualified. An individual who, at a minimum, is a graduate of a baccalaureate degree program in recreational therapy accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation body; is currently a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); meets any current legal requirement of licensure, registration, or certification; or has the documented equivalent in education, training and experience and is currently competent in the field.
In order to obtain CTRS certification, candidates must first meet minimum educational and experiential requirements and then pass a computer-based examination. The examination is administered by an independent, experienced, national testing service. CTRSs are also required to become recertified every five years. CTRSs become recertified by accumulating a combination of work experience, continuing education, and/or retesting. The NCTRC recertification program was established to ensure the continued and current competence of therapeutic recreation specialists.
Career Description
Recreational therapists are professionally trained practitioners who:
Individually assess the patient or consumer
Plan intervention programs
Implement safe and effective evidence-based recreational therapy interventions
Evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs
Manage recreational therapy practice
Recreational therapists provide individualized and group recreational therapy interventions for individuals experiencing limitations in life activities and community participation as a result of a disabling condition, illness or disease, aging, and/or developmental factors, including those at risk. Recreational therapists use a variety of educational, behavioral, recreational, and activity-oriented strategies with clients to enhance functional performance and improve positive lifestyle behaviors designed to increase independence, effective community participation, and well-being. Recreational therapists are effective members of treatment teams in health care and community-based health care and human service agencies.
The day-to-day work experience of recreational therapists can vary dramatically, depending on the setting and clients they serve. The recreational therapist works with the client, family, members of the treatment team, and others to design and implement an individualized treatment or program plan, depending on the setting. During a typical day, a recreational therapist will respond to physician orders for assessment and treatment, conduct individualized assessments, and provide individual and group-based interventions to address treatment goals for patients on their caseload.
Listing and definitions of related fields
Addiction Counseling: Addiction counseling programs prepare students to work as counselors with people who have alcohol, substance abuse, or gambling addictions.
Art Therapy: Art therapy programs teach students how to use art to promote the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients.
Community Services: Community services programs prepare people to connect individuals with health care and social services.
Dance: Dance programs teach people to express ideas and feelings through movement and dance performance.
Gerontology: Gerontology programs teach people about the aging process and the needs of older people.
Human Services: Human services programs prepare people to work for organizations that serve people in need.
Mental Health Counseling: In mental health counseling programs students learn to guide patients to improved mental health. Students also learn counseling and interviewing skills. In addition, they learn observation and testing methods
Music Therapy: Music therapists address physical, psychological, behavioral, emotional, and social needs in patients.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy programs prepare people to work with patients who have physical pain or limitations.
Psychology, General: Students learn how the mind develops, how people learn, and what motivates people.
Recreation, Fitness, and Leisure Studies: Recreation, fitness, and leisure studies programs prepare people to provide recreational services to the public.
Rehabilitation Counseling: In rehabilitation counseling programs students learn counseling and interviewing skills. In addition, they learn observation and testing methods.
Social Work: n social work programs, students learn counseling methods and how to manage casework. They also learn when to make referrals to other services.
Sport and Fitness Management: Sport and fitness management programs prepare people to run health clubs and manage sports teams.
Glossary of terminology used in TR including acronyms, etc.
Additional TR information
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