How to become a recreational therapist

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What recreational therapists do

• Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
• Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
• Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.
• Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
• Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
• Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Monitoring

Is recreational therapist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 22% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $98,170
• District of Columbia $95,640
• New Hampshire $82,280
• Nevada $78,730
• Washington $77,860

Recreational Therapists salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.