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Recreation Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hansel Union

Recreation Therapist

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Recreation Therapist - Private Practice Hansel Union Consulting, Portsmouth, VA Hansel Union Consulting is an organization dedicated to serving families, children, and adults with intellectual ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

Recreation Therapists are responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the patient's activities during their stay in the hospital. This includes time when the recreation therapy ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$22.28 - $32.31/hr

Recreation Therapists are responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the patient's activities during their stay in the hospital. This includes time when the recreation therapy ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

Recreation Therapists are responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the patient's activities during their stay in the hospital. This includes time when the recreation therapy ...

US Government Jobs

Recreation Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Recreation Therapist The Recreation Therapist is assigned to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. The Recreation Therapist provides treatment ...

Hansel Union

Recreation Therapist

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Salary: 60K-90K Recreation Therapist Private Practice Hansel Union Consulting, Portsmouth, VA Hansel Union Consulting is an organization dedicated to serving families, children, and adults with ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreation Therapist

Marysville, WA · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreation Therapist

Marysville, WA · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

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Recreation Therapist information

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$35

$64

How much do recreation therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapist in the United States is $35.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a recreation therapist?

Becoming a recreation therapist typically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or a related field, along with certification such as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The process involves completing accredited education, gaining supervised clinical experience, and passing a certification exam, which can take several years of education and training.

How does a recreation therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Recreation Therapists commonly work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, often collaborating with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. They participate in team meetings to discuss patient progress and contribute their expertise to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Regular communication ensures that recreational activities align with each patient's overall care goals, and therapists may also coordinate group sessions or therapy activities alongside other professionals. This team-based approach helps create holistic and effective interventions for patients.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectRecreation TherapistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Recreation Therapy, certification (CTRS)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitationRehabilitation, orthopedics, sports medicine

Recreation Therapists focus on improving clients' quality of life through recreational activities, while Physical Therapists specialize in restoring physical function and mobility. Both roles work in healthcare settings but have different certifications and treatment approaches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation therapist?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapist, you need a background in therapeutic recreation or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential. Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and documentation software is important for planning and tracking individualized therapy programs. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you connect with clients and tailor activities to diverse needs. These competencies ensure effective therapeutic outcomes, enhance client engagement, and support holistic well-being.

Are recreation therapists in demand?

Recreation therapists are in demand due to the growing focus on holistic healthcare and patient well-being, especially in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and senior care facilities. Employment for recreation therapists is projected to grow faster than average, with opportunities increasing as healthcare systems emphasize quality of life and therapeutic recreation programs. Certification and specialized skills can enhance job prospects in this field.

What do you do as a recreation therapist?

A recreation therapist designs and implements therapeutic recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients with illnesses or disabilities. They assess individual needs, develop personalized treatment plans, and use activities such as sports, arts, and community outings to promote recovery and quality of life. Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is often required.

What is a recreation therapist?

Recreation therapists, also known as therapeutic recreation specialists, are professionals who use recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to help individuals with illnesses, disabilities, or other conditions improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. They assess clients’ needs and design personalized treatment plans that may include activities like sports, arts and crafts, music, and community outings. Their goal is to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and support the rehabilitation process. Recreation therapists often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or community settings.
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Recreation Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreation Therapist

Hansel Union

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Recreation Therapist – Private Practice

Hansel Union Consulting, Portsmouth, VA

Hansel Union Consulting is an organization dedicated to serving families, children, and adults with intellectual, neurological, and developmental disabilities. Hansel Union Consulting has over 35 years of experience in the human service field and was the first organization in Virginia to offer Behavioral, Speech, Recreational, Physical, Occupational and Psychological therapies in one wrap-around service. We are an equal employment employer and do not discriminate based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Hansel Union Consulting is looking for a Recreation Therapist Licensed/Registered in Virginia. We pay competitively and have a great suite of benefits, including subsidized health insurance, 401K with a three percent match, six paid holidays per year, and two weeks of vacation.

Hansel Union Consulting Recreation Therapist Responsibilities:

  • What experience developing and implementing evidence-based, individualized interventions appropriate for each patient.
  • Administer formal and informal recreational therapy assessments.
  • Score and interpret results and write evaluation reports with recommendations and treatment goals.
  • Write Recreation Therapy Summary, Report, and develop Recreation Therapy Plan to include recommendations and goals.
  • Make and develop recreation/leisure resources to provide person-centered activities and programs.
  • Complete appropriate treatment notes, treatment plans, and progress notes.
  • Abide by the National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification Ethics.
  • Follow therapy schedule and communicate with clients and clinic coordinators regarding schedule changes.
  • Participate in continuing education per requirements of the National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification
  • Maintain certification with National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Required Qualifications

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy
  • Required current certification with National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification
  • Be comfortable operating in ambiguous situations and in adjusting work expectations based on CDC guidelines
  • Have a stable internet connection for telehealth options

Preferred Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
  • Experience with individuals in the ID/DD community

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000 – $75,000 per year