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Recreation Therapy Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Montana

Recreation Therapist

Deer Lodge, MT · On-site

Knowledge of recreation therapy interventions and practices. * Knowledge of psychology, human ... Completion of approved recreation therapist internships may substitute for the one year of required ...

State of Montana

Recreation Therapist

Deer Lodge, MT

Knowledge of recreation therapy interventions and practices. * Knowledge of psychology, human ... Completion of approved recreation therapist internships may substitute for the one year of required ...

State of Montana

Recreation Therapist

Warm Springs, VA · On-site

Knowledge of recreation therapy interventions and practices. * Knowledge of psychology, human ... Completion of approved recreation therapist internships may substitute for the one year of required ...

California State Jobs

STUDENT ASSISTANT

Chino, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

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

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 Internship information

See salary details

$14

$35

$64

How much do recreation therapy internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy internship 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.

What is a recreation therapy internship?

A Recreation Therapy Internship is a supervised, hands-on training experience for students pursuing a career in recreational therapy. During the internship, interns work under the guidance of certified recreational therapists to develop skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with illnesses or disabilities. The internship provides practical exposure to diverse client populations and settings, helping students meet education and certification requirements. It is an essential step for those seeking to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).

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

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Intern, you generally need coursework in recreational therapy or a related field, along with a foundational understanding of therapeutic recreation principles. Familiarity with assessment tools, activity planning software, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential soft skills for engaging clients and adapting interventions to their needs. These skills are vital because they ensure effective support for clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being during therapeutic activities.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a recreation therapy internship?

During a Recreation Therapy Internship, you can expect to actively participate in planning, facilitating, and evaluating therapeutic recreation activities for clients with diverse needs. Interns often work alongside certified recreation therapists, gaining exposure to creating individualized treatment plans, documenting client progress, and adapting activities for various physical or cognitive abilities. You will also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers, to ensure holistic care. This hands-on experience helps build practical skills and prepares you for professional certification.

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

AspectRecreation Therapy InternshipRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in a related degree program; may include supervised hoursRequires certification (e.g., CTRS) and licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship sites such as hospitals, rehab centers, community programsFull-time employment in healthcare, rehabilitation, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and training phase, often unpaid or for creditProfessional role with responsibilities for patient care and program planning

The Recreation Therapy Internship is a training period for students gaining practical experience, while a Recreation Therapist is a licensed professional providing therapeutic recreation services. Internships prepare individuals for certification and full practice, which requires meeting specific credentials and gaining hands-on experience.

What are some common interview questions for a recreation therapy internship?

Common interview questions for a recreation therapy internship often focus on your experience with activity planning, knowledge of therapeutic techniques, and ability to work with diverse populations. Interviewers may ask about your understanding of recreation therapy principles, teamwork skills, and how you handle challenging situations. Preparing examples of past experiences and demonstrating relevant certifications can help showcase your suitability for the role.

What can you do with a recreation therapy internship?

A recreation therapy internship provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing therapeutic recreational activities for clients with various health conditions. Interns develop skills in assessment, activity planning, and client interaction, often working under supervision in healthcare or community settings. This experience can lead to certification and employment as a recreational therapist or related roles in health and wellness fields.

What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Therapy Internship 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 Internship jobs?

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

Recreation Therapy Internship jobs near you

Recreation Therapist

State of Montana

Warm Springs, MT

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

State Of Montana rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states

Job description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Recreation Therapist at the Montana State Hospital.

The Montana State Hospital (MSH) in Warm Springs provides inpatient psychiatric treatment for adults with serious mental illness. MSH is the only public psychiatric hospital in Montana that serves people admitted from communities across the state.

Recreation Therapists help patients build resiliency and life skills. What that looks like is interviewing and observing patients to assess physical and mental status, capabilities, and interests, rehabilitation needs and plans appropriate interventions; designing and developing treatment programs and interventions addressing patients assessed needs; and developing treatment goals and evaluating patients progress toward goals and revises goals as needed.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation (15 days per year), sick leave (12 days per year), and holidays (11 per year), work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

  • Knowledge of recreation therapy interventions and practices.

  • Knowledge of psychology, human behavior, and development.

  • Knowledge of individual and group therapy principles.

  • Knowledge of recreational activities and related equipment.

  • Knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities; medical and physical disabilities.

         Meet minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation preferred or related field.

  • One year recreation therapist experience.

  • Completion of approved recreation therapist internships may substitute for the one year of required experience.

  • National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification is required within one year of employment.  

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit your application on the State of Montana Careers website.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

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