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Recreation Therapy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California State Jobs

STUDENT ASSISTANT

Chino, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

The Student Assistant - Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) is supervised by a NCTRC certified Recreation Therapist and works under the administrative supervision of the ...

UHS

Recreation Therapist Intern

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Under the supervision of the Recreation Therapy Director and Recreation Therapist Internship Coordinator, the Recreation Therapist Intern responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic ...

UHS

Recreation Therapist Intern

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Under the supervision of the Recreation Therapy Director and Recreation Therapist Internship Coordinator, the Recreation Therapist Intern responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic ...

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Recreation Therapy Intern information

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How much do recreation therapy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy intern in the United States is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation therapy intern?

Recreation Therapy Interns are students or recent graduates who work under the supervision of certified recreation therapists to gain practical experience in the field. They assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs designed to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients. These internships are typically part of a degree requirement in recreation therapy or a related field and help interns develop the necessary skills to become certified professionals. Interns work with a variety of populations, such as individuals with disabilities, older adults, or patients undergoing rehabilitation.

What do recreation therapy interns do?

As a Recreation Therapy Intern, you can expect to assist in planning, facilitating, and evaluating therapeutic recreation activities tailored to diverse client needs. Interns often collaborate closely with certified recreation therapists, healthcare professionals, and clients to implement group and individual sessions, document client progress, and participate in treatment team meetings. You may also be involved in developing activity materials, assessing client interests, and helping with administrative tasks. This hands-on experience is designed to build your skills in client assessment, program planning, and professional communication within a supportive team environment.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Intern, you need foundational knowledge in therapeutic recreation, basic assessment techniques, and enrollment in or completion of a related degree program. Familiarity with documentation systems, adaptive equipment, and possibly CPR/First Aid certification is typically expected. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you engage diverse clients and facilitate effective therapeutic activities. These skills and qualities are crucial to providing safe, personalized interventions that enhance clients' well-being and support their rehabilitation goals.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy Intern vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreation Therapy InternRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically pursuing or have completed relevant coursework, may need certificationLicensed or certified professional with required credentials
Work EnvironmentInternship settings such as hospitals, rehab centers, or community programsFull-time professional roles in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internship programs, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, senior centers

The main difference is that Recreation Therapy Interns are in training or completing their education, gaining practical experience, while Recreation Therapists are fully credentialed professionals providing therapeutic services. Interns work under supervision, whereas licensed therapists independently develop and implement treatment plans.

What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy Intern jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Therapy Intern job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Therapy Intern jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy Intern jobs include:

Recreation Therapy Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,721 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

STUDENT ASSISTANT

California State Jobs

Chino, CA • On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title and Description

California Institution for Men is accepting applications for Temporary (15 weeks), Intermittent appointments to the Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) classification. The Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) is supervised by a NCTRC certified Recreation Therapist and works under the administrative supervision of the Program Assistant and is under the general lead and clinical direction of the Recreation Therapy Intern Coordinators and the Chief of Rehabilitation Therapy Services. Under the general direction of the Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility (CF), the Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF), develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions. The Student Assistant – RT Intern, CF, completes recreation therapy assessments, progress notes, monitors group attendance; facilitates and motivates patients in recreation therapy groups, incorporates therapeutic recreational activities into treatment plans; monitors the effectiveness of therapeutic recreational group programs, audits recreation therapy supplies, participates in the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, and collaborates with mental health care staff.

The successful candidate must be academically eligible for a Recreation Therapy internship based upon their university and National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification standards.

Candidates should possess and demonstrate the basic knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of Recreation Therapy services, basic knowledge of the process of restoration, maintenance and development of capabilities, basic knowledge of the principles of mental health education, the scope and activities of private and public health and welfare agencies, characteristics of mental, emotional, physical, and developmental disorders, current trends in mental health, public health and public welfare, federal and state programs in these fields. Have ability to utilize and effectively apply required knowledge, establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the workplace, ability to secure accurate clinical data and record such data systematically, compose clear, accurate and concise reports, interpret statistical data, analyze situations accurately and take effective action, ability to communicate effectively.

Additional Information: The classification is a temporary appointment (TAU), and the Student Assistant may not work more than 1500 hours in a 12 consecutive month period. No health, dental, or vision benefits are provided for persons in this classification.

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications (MQs) listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, a victim of human trafficking, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code (GC) Section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating "preference under GC Section 18220." Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility. Verification of application or enrollment in a college or university is required prior to appointment.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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