Finding a job in the field of Therapeutic Recreation can sometimes feel like paddling upstream.
We use job search platforms, LinkedIn, and websites like RecTherapy Jobs to find your dream position. But if you don’t have the freedom to move, it can be difficult to land a recreation therapist gig in your city.
The great news is that if you have a degree in therapeutic recreation, the doors of employment opportunities are actually wide open. Therapeutic recreation graduates have extremely desirable skills including knowledge of group facilitation techniques, ability to work with vulnerable populations, and strong interpersonal skills.
So whether you are looking for your first job, re-entering the workforce after some time off, or you just need a change of scenery, keep reading to learn 14 Jobs You Can Get with Your Therapeutic Recreation Degree.
1. Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Most therapeutic recreation grads are likely to be searching for recreation therapist positions. They are out there, it just may require some patience and flexibility to find your ideal job.
It is important to note that these positions will most likely require the applicant to have their CTRS designation. If you live in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, or Utah they will also require licensure.
Another factor to consider when searching for recreation therapist jobs is all the various environments you can work in. If you are willing to switch up your game and work in different settings, the opportunities continue to expand.
2. Certified Activity Professionals /Activity Director
At nursing homes, hospice care centers, and hospitals, activity professionals develop a program of physical, mental, and emotional activities for those they serve. They provide activities that stimulate the minds and bodies of residents and patients, as well as improve their overall quality of life.
Activity Professionals focus on designing programs to encourage socialization, provide entertainment, relaxation, and fulfillment, and improve daily living skills. Learn more about this position at the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals here.
3. Recreation Therapy Practice Supervisor
Have you been around the therapeutic recreation block for a while now? Do you have a passion for ensuring that recreation therapy services are meeting professional standards, practice guidelines, and the code of ethics?
Practice supervisors have extensive knowledge of the discipline they are responsible for. Working as the clinical resource, they are responsible for the planning, development, and facilitation of professional development for all recreation therapy staff they supervise.
It makes sense that a recreation therapy practice supervisor position would be filled by a CTRS with extensive knowledge in the field of therapeutic recreation.
4. Recreation Therapy Assistant/Worker
Recreational Therapy Assistants/Workers positions are a great place to start out to gain experience. These positions are also a great place to stay if you prefer the client interaction and program implementation aspect of recreation therapy.
Carrying out the prescribed recreation and leisure activities as per the Recreational Therapists’ instruction, these positions are a vital part of the therapeutic recreation process.
5. Therapeutic Recreation Entrepreneur
This one is #goals for me. The Therapeutic Recreation Entrepreneur is hard to define as it could encompass endless possibilities. Essentially this position requires the use of therapeutic recreation knowledge as well as business intellect to provide needed services.
Here is a list of some Therapeutic Recreation Entrepreneurs worth checking out for inspiration.
- Field Trip Recreation Therapy
- Pure Abilities
- F.L.O.W. Recreation
- Your Adventure Rx.
- Rec Connections
- Strive Recreational Therapy
- Connected Roots
- Wonderfully Made
- Smart Hub CEUS
- Recreation Therapy Today
6. Employee/Workplace Wellness Coordinator
Employee Health and Wellness Coordinators work for companies, cities, or communities, encouraging employees or residents to take care of their health. With their holistic knowledge of health and wellness, therapeutic recreation grads can utilize the same strengths-based health approach with a wider audience.
7. Public Health Educators
According to the Bureau of Statistics, Health Educators and Community Health Workers educate people about the availability of healthcare services. They also teach people about behaviors that promote physical, social, cognitive, and mental wellness. Sounds like it would be right-up a therapeutic recreation grads ally – right?
8. Speciality Camp Programmer/Manager/Director
I have NEVER learned as much about myself as I did while working at a summer camp. I think everyone should work at camp once in their life.
There are camps for populations those with a therapeutic recreation degree are prepared to serve. These populations include at-risk youth, individuals with chronic health conditions, children with autism, and many, many more. If you have a love for campfires and the great outdoors, then this may be the job for you.
9. Challenge Course Facilitator
No fear of heights? Love helping people push past their limiting beliefs to climb to new levels (literally)? Low ropes and high ropes courses are the bread and butter for many graduates of therapeutic recreation degrees.
Tourism companies, gyms and cooperate training programs are just a few of the places that may be looking to hire individuals with knowledge and experience in facilitating groups on challenge courses.
10. Life Enrichment Coordinator/Manager/Director
Life Enrichment staff provide coordination and direction for the day-to-day activities and lifestyle programs that support the domains of wellness including social, intellectual, physical and spiritual health. Another great job title to search for potential opportunities.
11. Volunteer Coordinator
Research shows that helping others is one of the best ways we can increase feelings of happiness and connection to the world around us. As the world becomes aware of the benefits of volunteering, organizations will need to hire staff who understand can help volunteers identify how to use their strengths to help others. Therapeutic recreation grads make the perfect fit!
12. Campus Recreation Coordinator/ Student Life
When I was in university, I played in an inner tube, water polo league. It was the perfect way to make new friends while also release some of the ever-present stress and tension from my course work-load. A background in therapeutic recreation provides knowledge on how to plan activities for individuals with various needs. I say this with a big heart (and based on my own experience) students have a lot of needs 🙂
13. Special Events/Festival Coordinator
Have you seen the episode of Parks and Recreation when Leslie Knope plans the Fall Harvest Festival while the government was shut down? I mean, talk about #womancrush.
If you have a passion for planning community events and festivals and an understanding of how to ensure the environment is inclusive for everyone, you could be the ideal candidate.
14. Environmental Education Programmer
So many folks are drawn to the field of therapeutic recreation not only for their love of helping others but for their connection to nature and all the benefits it has to offer.
If you are one of the lucky ones who knows endless amounts of information about the great outdoors and feels called to share that knowledge with the general public as well as vulnerable populations. Environmental Education Programmer may just be the perfect combination for you.
Well, that is it for now. I hope these help you with your job search or at least opened your eyes to potential jobs in the future. If you are a therapeutic recreation grad, working another position that I have not listed, please let me know! I would love to do a Part 2 to this post.
What do you all think of the list? Did I miss any positions?
Please comment below and let me know 🙂
