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A therapeutic recreational therapist (also known as a recreational therapist)
provides treatment and recreational services to individuals with mental, physical,
and emotional disabilities and/or illnesses. A therapeutic recreational therapist
will first gather information about a patient?s medical background and what
disabilities he/she has. Then the therapeutic recreational therapist will develop
a treatment program based on the patient?s needs and interests. The treatment
program should provide recreational resources that will help the patient to
improve overall physical and mental wellness and achieve an optimal level of
independence. For example, a therapeutic recreational therapist may help a
right-handed stroke victim who has lost the use of his/her right hand how to
cook, fish, play sports, etc with his/her left hand. The overall goal of a
therapeutic recreational therapist is to reduce or eliminate the effects of a
disability. Reducing the effects may build a patient?s confidence, decrease stress
and anxiety, and may also help to increase the use of basic motor skills.
A therapeutic recreational therapist works in a variety of settings to include
hospitals, schools, parks and recreation centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation
centers, mental health facilities, etc.
In terms of education, this position requires a bachelor?s degree in therapeutic
recreation, recreation, or a related field. After the education process is
complete, individuals may become nationally certified in therapeutic recreation
by passing a national examination given by the
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Employers usually
prefer that an individual be nationally certified. State regulations regarding
licensure vary from state to state. For additional information on therapeutic
recreation as a career, please visit the
American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Please use the links provided
below to learn more about specific educational programs pertaining to this field.
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