Education

• Jobs for Recreation Therapists usually require at least an associates degree in recreation, although a bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation is the preferred entry-level degree.
  
  

Additional Education

• Many Recreation Therapists pursue additional education in the form of advanced degrees such as a masters degree or in the form of additional coursework in psychology, recreation, social work or anatomy and physiology.
  
  

Certification

• Certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist is not required to practice, but employers may require it and most people do attain this certification. To acquire the certification one must pass a written exam, have at least a bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation and complete an approved internship.
  
  

Duties

• Job duties vary widely depending on place of employment but usually involve working with patients by engaging them in various types of recreational activities including arts and craft, physical activities, games, dance and movement and using community resources.
  
  

Job Outlook

• The current job forecast for recreation therapists shows continued job growth but at a slower rate than average so one should expect some competition for jobs with the advantage going to those with a B.A. degree. Median salary was $34,990 in 2006.