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|
TRAITS
for
Success |
 |
adaptable
creative
patient
good problem-
solving skills |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| ecreational therapists, also known as therapeutic
recreational |
| specialists, are health care providers who use
recreation and |
| leisure activities to improve the health,
quality of life, functional ability, and |
| independence of individuals of all ages
with illness, disability, or other |
| conditions. They plan and implement
individual treatment programs using a |
| variety of recreational experiences
including, but not limited to, exercise or |
| other physical activity, relaxation
techniques, social activities, arts and crafts, |
| sports and games. Recreational
therapists set goals based on the client's |
| needs, abilities and interest that will
help improve their physical, cognitive, |
| emotional or
social needs. |
|
 |
|
|
Average Starting Salary $32,000
|
| |
| Work Environment |
| Adult day treatment
centers |
| Community mental health
centers |
| Hospice care |
| Hospitals |
| Nursing homes |
| Private practice |
| Rehabilitation centers |
| School systems |
| Substance abuse centers |
|
| |
| Academic Requirements |
| A bachelor's degree in
therapeutic |
| recreation (or in
recreation with an |
| emphasis in therapeutic
recreation) |
| is required. An
internship of at least |
| 480 hours must be
completed under the |
| supervision of a
Certified Therapeutic |
| Recreation Specialist.
Graduate programs |
| are also available. |
| |
| |
| Licensure, Certification and |
| Registration |
| Licensure is not required
in Georgia. |
| Certification is highly
recommended |
| and is available through
the National |
| Council for Therapeutic
Recreation |
| Certification. Upon
passing the |
| certification exam,
professionals |
| are designated as a
Certified Therapeutic |
| Recreation Specialist (CTRS). |
| |
|
| |
| Professional Organizations |
| American Therapeutic
Recreation |
|
Association |
| (703) 683-9420 |
|
www.atra-tr.org |
| |
| National Council for
Therapeutic |
| Recreation
Certification |
|
www.nctrc.org |
| |
| National Therapeutic
Recreation |
| Society |
| (703) 858-0784 |
|
www.nrpa.org |
| |
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|
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
|
Georgia Southern University |
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