Salary The average hourly wage for recreational therapists employed in Florida was $18.29 in 2006. Educational Programs Bachelor's Degree Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Master's Degree Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Professional Associations National Therapeutic Recreation Society

Recreational therapists plan, organize, direct, and counsel medically approved therapeutic recreation programs for patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Their duties may include assessment of a patient condition and recommendation of appropriate recreational activity.

Recreational therapists employ leisure activities as a form of treatment similar to other health practitioners who use surgery, drugs, or exercise to improve patients' abilities to cope with their daily functions. Therapists utilize activities in areas such as sports, trips, gardening, arts and crafts, social interaction, nature study, games, aquatics, and expressive arts to meet patients' needs, capabilities, and interests. They also observe and report on patients' physical, mental, and social progress to their doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, physical therapists, and other professionals as part of the treatment team for planning future therapies. Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with people who have disabilities.

Work Environment
Recreational therapists work in institutions such as hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers, substance abuse rehabilitation and treatment facilities, mental health centers, and adult long term care or correctional facilities. They may also be employed by adult day care programs, school systems, community parks, and recreation departments. Most recreational therapists work 40-hour weeks, which may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. They participate in a wide variety of active and passive activities with the patients and participants.

Job Outlook
The number of recreational therapists employed in Florida in 2006 was 670. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 745. This represents an annual average growth rate of 1.4 percent.

Length of Training/Requirements
Approved training programs are offered at state universities leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in recreation with an option in therapeutic recreation. The curriculum usually includes core courses in foundations of therapeutic recreation, leisure education and counseling, program planning, principles and practices of therapeutic recreation, electives in human services, and an internship. Prerequisites for admission to the bachelor's degree program include the general education courses and anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and human growth and development. Prerequisites for admission to the master's program include a bachelor's degree in any field. Those with degrees out of the field are required to complete some core course work prior to beginning the program.

Advancement
With a graduate degree, they may become independent consultants, advance to executive positions in administration, or do research.

Licensure/Certification
Most employers prefer to hire certified therapists; however, certification is voluntary in Florida. Certification may be obtained from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Students are required to complete course requirements, an approved internship, and pass a national exam to become certified.