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Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Therapeutic recreation is a specialized allied health field within the recreation profession. Associated with the leisure aspects of medical treatment, therapeutic recreation attempts to physically and socially rehabilitate patients who have chronic physical, psychological and social handicaps. It involves recreation services that give the patient an opportunity to participate in recreational, leisure and group activities specifically designed to aid in recovery from or adjustment to illness, disability or a specific problem.
There are two career opportunities in therapeutic recreation-the therapeutic recreation specialist (also called recreation therapist) and the therapeutic recreation assistant.
The therapeutic recreation specialist plans, organizes, directs and counsels medically approved recreation programs. The specialist encourages patients to develop recreational interests and skills and to participate in physical and social activities so that they may better cope with or recover from their illnesses or disabilities. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, arts and crafts, discussion groups, nature studies and hobbies, and they are administered in accordance with patients' needs, capabilities and interests.
As part of the rehabilitation team, the therapeutic recreation specialist observes and reports on patients' physical, mental and social progress. This information is then incorporated into the planning of future therapies.
| Some of the responsibilities might include: |
| • | Conferring with a patient's physician to determine the nature of the illness |
| • | Preparing reports describing patients' reactions and symptoms which indicate their progress or regression |
| • | Submitting reports for evaluation to the physician and other members of the rehabilitation team |
| • | Participating in case conferences |
| • | Distributing and maintaining supplies and equipment |
| • | Educating the general public on the benefits of recreation therapy |
Job Outlook
Specialists can find employment in non-medical as well as medical settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community recreation agencies, schools for the blind, homes for the elderly, orphanages, juvenile detention homes or prisons.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor's degree, preferably in therapeutic recreation, is the minimum level of education for professional status. For executive positions in administration, research or teaching, a graduate degree is required.
High school students who are interested in a career in therapeutic recreation should become involved with physical education, public speaking, sports, dramatics, music and other activities.
The therapeutic recreation assistant assists the therapeutic recreation specialist in carrying out recreation rehabilitation programs. The assistant usually has limited responsibilities in organizing and directing programs and more often specializes in particular activities such as athletics, dramatics, music or arts and crafts.
For training, the assistant must graduate from an associate degree program in therapeutic recreation from a community college.
Educational Programs - Illinois
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