Recreational Therapists

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for recreational therapists will grow faster than the average for all careers through 2028. Increased life expectancies for the elderly and for people with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome will create opportunities for recreational therapists. Most openings for therapists will be in health care and assisted living facilities because of the increasing numbers and greater longevity of the elderly. There is also greater public pressure to regulate and improve the quality of life in retirement centers, which may mean more jobs and increased scrutiny of recreational therapists. Strong employment growth is also expected in offices of health practitioners, outpatient care centers, and the offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists. The incidence of alcohol and drug dependency problems is also growing, creating a demand for qualified therapists to work in short-term alcohol and drug abuse clinics.

Expansion of the school-age population and the extension of federally funded services for disabled students will also increase demand for recreational therapists in schools.

Growth in hospital jobs is not expected to be as strong. Many of the new jobs created will be in hospital-based adult day care programs or in units offering short-term mental health services. Because of economic and social factors, no growth is expected in public mental hospitals. Many of the programs and services formerly offered there are being shifted to community residential facilities for the disabled. Community programs for special populations are expected to expand significantly. Therapists with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation and certification will have better chances of securing work.