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Activities Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Activities Therapist Schedule: Full-Time, 8a-4:30p with days rotating monthly (Mon-Fri and Wed-Sun) Your experience matters Triangle Springs is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare ...

Activities Therapist

Butner, NC · On-site

$19.78 - $28.12/hr

We are seeking an Activities Therapist with experience in child and adolescent mental health to collaborate with this multidisciplinary team to help our patients grow and thrive. You will design and ...

Activities Therapist Schedule: Full-Time Your experience matters Triangle Springs is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven ...

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of * Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute ...

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute ...

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Activities Therapist

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$47K - $48K/yr

PACE is currently hiring Recreational Therapist for our Day Health Center for Seniors in Pontiac ... These activities are designed to support people emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Website: This Activity Therapist opportunity is full time at 40 hour per week, offers full benefits and a convenient day shift schedule. This dynamic individual will p rovide direction of the ...

This Activity Therapist opportunity is full time at 40 hour per week, offers full benefits and a convenient day shift schedule. This dynamic individual will provide direction of the activity therapy ...

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Activities Therapist information

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$12

$28

$45

How much do activities therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities therapist in the United States is $28.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activities therapist?

Activities Therapists are healthcare professionals who plan and lead therapeutic activities for individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or community programs. Their goal is to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients through recreational activities such as art, music, games, exercise, or social events. They assess clients’ interests and abilities and tailor activities to meet their needs, helping to enhance quality of life and promote recovery. Activities Therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support overall treatment plans.

What does an activities therapist do?

An activities therapist designs recreational activities to aid in the therapeutic rehabilitation of patients with illnesses, diseases, or disabilities. Your responsibilities include performing assessments of your patients, reading over their medical records and reports from other medical practitioners, and working with your patients to tailor specific plans based on their interests and hobbies to aid in their rehabilitation. You also make adjustments to the program depending on how your patient performs. Other duties include helping your patients to cope with difficult situations and addressing underlying issues, such as stress or depression, through therapeutic activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activities therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activities Therapist, you need a background in recreation therapy, psychology, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and certification (such as CTRS). Familiarity with activity planning software, patient documentation systems, and adaptive equipment is commonly required. Creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse client groups are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial to designing effective therapeutic activities that enhance clients’ well-being and support their rehabilitation goals.

What are some common challenges activities therapists face when designing group sessions, and how can they be addressed?

Activities Therapists often encounter the challenge of creating sessions that accommodate a wide range of abilities, interests, and therapeutic needs within a diverse group. Balancing individual goals with group dynamics requires flexibility and strong communication skills. To address these challenges, therapists typically assess participants beforehand, adapt activities for inclusivity, and collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure each session supports therapeutic outcomes while keeping participants engaged and motivated.

What is the difference between Activities Therapist vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectActivities TherapistRecreational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in occupational therapy, recreation therapy, or related field; certifications vary by regionRequires a degree in recreational therapy or related field; certification often from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, schoolsRehabilitation centers, nursing homes, community programs, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizations, educational institutionsHealthcare, community health, senior care, mental health services

Activities Therapists and Recreational Therapists both focus on improving clients' quality of life through therapeutic activities. While their roles overlap significantly, Activities Therapists often emphasize structured activities to develop specific skills, whereas Recreational Therapists focus on leisure activities to promote overall well-being. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable settings, making them closely related professions in the healthcare and rehabilitation industries.

Do you need a degree to be an activities therapist?

Activities therapists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, occupational therapy, or a related field. Some positions may require certification or licensure, depending on the state or employer. Relevant skills include activity planning, communication, and understanding client needs.

What cities are hiring for Activities Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Activities Therapist job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Activities Therapist jobs?

The top employers for Activities Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Activities Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Activities Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Activities Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,690 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assesses patient needs and develops treatment programs in accordance with physician or licensed practitioner's orders.

  • Provides therapy treatment procedures, monitors patient responses, and updates treatment plans as needed.

  • Communicates with the treatment team and provides direction to staff regarding activity-related groups and patient care.


LifePoint Health rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 273 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

766th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Activities Therapist

Schedule: Full-Time, 8a-4:30p with days rotating monthly (Mon-Fri and Wed-Sun)

Your experience matters 

Triangle Springs is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. 

As an Activities Therapist joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

How you'll contribute 

An Activities Therapist who excels in this role:

  • Applies appropriate theory and standards for decision and actions regarding therapeutic practices.
  • Assesses patient needs utilizing cultural, religious, and physical disabilities, in the determination of capabilities in groups and with specific activities.  
  • Documents the patient's response to interventions pertinent to patient treatment on daily/weekly progress status, as appropriate.  
  • Completes all assessments within the time frame allotted and contributes to assessment workload balance between therapists.
  • Formulates the initial and subsequent treatment programs in accordance with the attending physician's/licensed practitioner's treatment orders.  
  • Develops a plan of care with specific and measurable goals, objectives, and interventions defining actions unique to each patient's needs.  
  • Provides therapy treatment procedures according to the treatments plan, communicate, and work with the patient to achieve the greatest benefit and resolution.
  • Maintains constant communication with the treatment team, therapist, and physician/licensed practitioner when patient is not responding the treatments.
  • Contributes to the effective functioning of the patient's program.  Understands the age differences and the corresponding developmental needs.
  • Provides activities suitable to the patient's needs and offers a variety of stimuli in accordance with the treatment plan.
  • Maintains a quality program to satisfy the therapeutic needs of the patient.  Offers direction and education to maintain clear communication of expectations.
  • Provides quality programming to support the objectives of the patient and their needs.
  • Reassesses and updates treatment plan goals when there are significant changes in the patient's condition in compliance with facility policy or after patient's stay has exceeded 7 days.
  • Contributes to treatment planning with feedback to clinical and program staff to achieve therapeutic interventions.
  • Provides direction to clinical and unit staff regarding activity related groups.
  • Provides input into patient's AT goals to the treatment teams and records any treatment updates on the treatment update form in treatment team when applicable.

Why join us 

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
  • Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
  • Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for 

  • Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institute in Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-BC, ATR-P LPAT), or similar field required.
  • Experience: Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility, with direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients preferred.
  • License: Current unencumbered certification/license/registration required per state of practice guidelines.
  • Additional Requirements: CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) within 30 days.  May be required to work flexible hours, holidays, and overtime. 

More about Triangle Springs

Triangle Springs is a 77- bed behavioral health hospital that has been offering exceptional care to the Raleigh community for over 8 years. We are proud to be recognized as Joint Commission Accredited and Psych Armor Certified. 

EEOC Statement

"Triangle Springs Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Triangle Springs Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.We employ and provide care to people from all walks of life. We are committed to promoting healing, providing hope, preserving dignity and producing value with an inclusive workforce in which diversity is leveraged, respected, and reflective of the patients, family members, customers and team members we serve.

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About LifePoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lifepoint Health serves patients, clinicians, communities and partners across the healthcare continuum. Our diversified healthcare delivery network extends from coast to coast, consisting of community hospitals, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and additional sites of care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1999

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