THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Recreational Therapist  (Rehabilitation Professions) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) Recreational Therapist - Did-You-Know: 1. Only 28.4% of Americans with disabilities have access to the Internet at home or work, compared to 56.7% of persons without disabilities. 2. Based on the Harris Poll, since 1986, the “gap areas” identified are employment, education, community participation, transportation, political participation, health care, religious participation, and use of technology. 3. 52% of those with disabilities report being more informed about the world as compared to 39% of those without disabilities. 4. 42% of Americans with disabilities report that the internet has significantly increased the ability to reach out to people with similar experiences and interests as compared to 30% of those without disabilities. How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Recreational Therapy field? 1. Recreational Therapy, also referred to as therapeutic recreation, focuses on purposeful intervention utilizing activities. A wide variety of activities are used such as water sports, gardening, board games, snow skiing, running, horseback riding, reading, sewing, hunting, and collecting. The profession uses the holistic approach and addresses physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of clients. 2. Students wishing to become nationally certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS) mush complete a four year degree and sit for the national certification exam. 3. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in all therapies and relative to all of the seven categories of disability based on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, i.e. communication disorders, chemical dependency, cognitive impairment, chronic health impairment, sensory impairment, physical disability, and impaired mental functioning. 4. If you will visit my web site at www.mtsu.edu/~vshelar you can look at several national presentations that directly address the use of technology such as JAWS [a computer software program that reads text to people who are blind or have low vision], JAGUAR [a computer operating system with built-in keyboard modification, mouse emulator, screen magnification, speech synthesizer, visual beep indicator, voice input, and voice output programs, designed for use by individuals who are blind, deaf or hard of hearing, or who have low vision or upper extremity disabilities] and Dreamweaver Tutorials (Dreamweaver is a website development computer program. Dreamweaver Tutorials are used to help disabled individuals use their JAWS or JAGUAR programs to create their own personal websites]. 5. A very helpful website and a place where many students majoring in recreational therapy choose to do internships is http://www.goodshepherdrehab.org 6. Good Shepherd has a Health and Technology Center at its facility that is instrumental in rehabilitation of persons recovering from head injury, stroke, paralysis and other physically based disabilities. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Recreational therapists also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or other disabling conditions. Therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well being of clients using a variety of techniques, including the use of arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Therapists help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. They also help individuals recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence, and socialize effectively to enable greater independence, as well as to reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability. They help integrate people with disabilities into the community by helping them use community resources and recreational activities. Recreational therapists should not be confused with recreation and fitness workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment. In acute health care settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or collaboration with other health care professionals. In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities—especially structured group programs—to improve and maintain general health and well being. They may also treat clients and provide interventions to prevent further medical problems and secondary complications related to illness and disabilities. Recreational therapists assess clients, based on information from standardized assessments, observations, medical records, medical staff, family, and clients themselves. They then develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with client needs and interests. Recreational therapists may instruct patients in relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension, stretching and limbering exercises, proper body mechanics for participation in recreation activities, pacing and energy conservation techniques, and individual as well as team activities. Additionally, therapists observe and document patients` participation, reactions, and progress. Community-based therapeutic recreation specialists may work in park and recreation departments, special education programs for school districts, or programs for older adults and people with disabilities such as assisted living, adult day care, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. Therapists use interventions to develop specific skills while providing opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, creativity, and fun. Some therapists work in schools help counselors, teachers, and parents address the special needs of students—most importantly, easing the transition into adult life for disabled students. Mean annual salary for this position is $33,800. WHERE EMPLOYED: Almost 60 percent of jobs for therapists were in nursing and personal care facilities and hospitals, while others worked in residential facilities, community mental health centers, adult day care programs, correctional facilities, and community programs for people with disabilities, and substance abuse centers. Only a small number of therapists were self-employed, generally contracting with agencies to develop and oversee programs. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Therapists often lift and carry equipment as well as lead or demonstrate recreational activities. Recreational therapists generally work a 40-hour week that may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or have disabilities, be patient, tactful, and persuasive when working with people who have a variety of special needs, have ingenuity, a sense of humor, and imagination to adapt activities to individual needs. Physical coordination is also required for leading and demonstrating activities. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor`s degree in therapeutic recreation, or in recreation with a concentration in therapeutic recreation, is the usual requirement for entry-level positions. Persons may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an associate degree in therapeutic recreation or a health care related field. An associate degree in recreational therapy, training in art, drama, or music therapy, or qualifying work experience may be sufficient for activity director positions in nursing homes. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS). EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Students study human anatomy, physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, professional ethics, and the use of assistive devices and technology. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/9/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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