Recreational Therapists

Employers

Recreational therapists hold almost 19,800 jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. About 38 percent of these jobs are at hospitals and 15 percent at nursing care facilities. Other employers include hospitals, residential facilities, adult day care centers, and substance abuse centers, and state and local government agencies. Some therapists are self-employed. Employment opportunities also exist in long-term rehabilitation, home health care, correctional facilities, psychiatric facilities, and transitional programs.

Starting Out

There are many methods for finding out about available jobs in recreational therapy. A good place to start is the job notices and want ads printed in the local newspapers, bulletins from state park and recreation societies, and publications of the professional associations previously mentioned. A useful Internet resource for job listings is The Therapeutic Recreation Directory (https://www.recreationtherapy.com). State employment agencies and human service departments will know of job openings in state hospitals. College career services offices might also be able to put new recreational therapy graduates in touch with prospective employers. Internship programs are sometimes available, offering good opportunities to find potential full-time jobs.

Recent graduates should also make appointments to meet potential employers personally. Most colleges and universities offer career counseling services. Most employers will make themselves available to discuss their programs and the possibility of hiring extra staff. They may also guide new graduates to other institutions currently hiring therapists. Joining professional associations, both state and national, and attending conferences are good ways to meet potential employers and colleagues.