Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists apply various techniques of recreation measures such as music, drama, dance, arts and crafts, sports, games, field trips etc. in order to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of people with illness, injuries or disabilities. Their responsibilities include conducting recreation-based treatment programs, encouraging people’s participation, supervising clients in recreational activities, assessing the needs and abilities of the participants of all ages, offering emotional support to the patients and their family members etc.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are employed in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, adult day centers, residential living facilities, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, prisons, educational institutions etc. These professionals may act as therapists, educators, counselors or facilitators in any different number of settings. They may specialize in certain populations, such as pediatrics, adolescents, or geriatrics. They often work full time.
Educational Requirements
To qualify for the position of a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, the aspiring candidates have to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in therapeutic recreation from an accredited institution. The degree program is mostly focused on medical concepts and treatment. The syllabus contains an introduction to therapeutic recreation, physiology, biology, kinesiology, abnormal psychology, sociology, etc.
Students can also earn higher degree such as master’s or doctoral degree in therapeutic recreation to find better job opportunities in this profession.
Certification and Licensure
Since the practice of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist needs to be licensed in many states of USA, the job aspirants have to pass the required examination in order to get a license. The candidates can obtain exam-based certification administered by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), which also offers certifications in areas such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, community inclusion services, rehabilitation and physical medicine etc.
Skill Set
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists possess various skills such as empathy towards people, crisis management and decision making abilities, understanding clients’ emotions, ability to remain calm under pressure, motivating and convincing power, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, excellent verbal and written skills, tolerance to awkward behavior of clients, computer operating skills etc.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist remains outstanding across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 13% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist was $42,280 in May 2012.