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Recreational Therapists
Description
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 arts and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Common Tasks
- Develop discharge plans for patients.
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests and objectives of therapy.
- Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
- Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
- Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
Required Education
Bachelor's degree
Wages
In 2016 the mean hourly wage in the Greater Sacramento area was $31.74 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $19.26 and $40.17 .
In 2016 the mean annual salary in the Greater Sacramento area was $66,023.19 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $40,052.17 and $83,553.62 .
Occupation Outlook
This occupation employed 1,700 people in California during 2014.
By 2024, there is expected to be an increase of 11.8% in the number of jobs in California for this occupation, bringing to total number to 1,900.
By 2024, in California, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $33.00 with the median annual salary reaching $69,848.
