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Which studies lead to becoming a Recreational Therapist?

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Medical & WelfareStableBright Outlook

Recreational Therapist

Mid-level

Also known as: Activities Coordinator, Activities Therapist, Activity Therapist, Adventure Therapist

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Recreational TherapyTherapeutic RecreationActivity TherapyPatient Care PlanningHealthcareAllied HealthHuman ServicesMedical CareersRehabilitationPatient Care

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the bustling Willow Creek Rehabilitation Hospital, coffee in hand, the smell of disinfectant faint. Your first stop is the shared office, where you boot up your computer and log into `Epic`, the electronic medical record system. You quickly review your caseload for the day, noting a new admission and checking progress notes for returning patients. Today's schedule includes a group art therapy session and several individual appointments. You grab your clipboard and head to the supply closet to gather paints and brushes.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software
Microsoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+4.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

15,600

in 2025 → 16,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career is projected to grow steadily, with about 1,400 job openings each year through 2035 and a bright outlook. The median annual wage for Recreational Therapists is around $61,960. You can advance by gaining experience or specializing in certain areas of therapeutic recreation.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Activity Assistant
  • Rehabilitation Assistant
  • Community Health Worker

Where it can lead

  • Senior Recreational Therapist
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Program Coordinator (Therapeutic Recreation)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely assist recreational therapists by automating administrative tasks like scheduling and record-keeping, allowing them more direct patient interaction. It could also help analyze patient data to suggest personalized activity plans, enhancing treatment effectiveness. However, the core empathetic and interactive aspects of the role will remain human-centric.