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Recreational Therapist Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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Recreational Therapist Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$30

$63

How much do recreational therapist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapist assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $30.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $58.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational therapist assistant?

Recreational Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of certified recreational therapists to help plan, implement, and monitor recreational activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Their goal is to support clients in improving their physical, emotional, and social well-being through activities like arts and crafts, sports, music, and games. They also assist with documenting client progress and ensuring a safe, supportive environment during activities.

What does a recreational therapist assistant do?

As a recreational therapist assistant, you support a primary therapist while providing therapy and care for clients or patients. You may help set up and run a therapeutic activity or treatment, examine the behavior of patients, help implement clinical treatments, or conduct a psychological assessment to gain a better understanding of the unique needs of each patient. Recreational therapist assistants often specialize in specific groups that use recreational therapy, such as children or veterans, and which group you work with may impact your career opportunities and path. Most recreational therapist assistants work regular hours, but employers may occasionally ask you to work overtime to help address particularly complex or difficult cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreational therapist assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapist Assistant, you need knowledge of therapeutic recreation methods, basic health care practices, and typically a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with activity planning software, adaptive equipment, and documentation systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and creativity help you engage clients and support the lead therapist effectively. These skills are crucial for delivering safe, effective, and meaningful therapeutic activities that enhance clients' well-being.

How does a recreational therapist assistant typically collaborate with therapists and other healthcare team members?

As a Recreational Therapist Assistant, you’ll work closely under the supervision of certified recreational therapists, supporting the design and implementation of therapeutic activities for patients. You’ll often communicate with nurses, physical therapists, and social workers to coordinate care, share observations, and adjust activity plans based on patient progress. This collaborative environment helps ensure that recreational interventions are safely integrated into each patient’s overall treatment plan. Regular team meetings and report sharing are common and provide opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapist Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreational Therapist AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists in therapeutic activities under supervision, in healthcare or rehab settingsDevelops and implements therapy plans independently, in hospitals, rehab centers, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare facilities, assisted living, and rehab centersWorks in similar settings, often with more responsibility for planning and decision-making

The main difference between a Recreational Therapist Assistant and a Recreational Therapist lies in their level of responsibility and required education. The assistant supports therapy activities under supervision, while the therapist independently develops and manages treatment plans. Both roles are vital in healthcare settings focused on improving patient well-being through recreational activities.

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For Recreational Therapist Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Recreational Therapist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Recreational Therapist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreational Therapist Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,840 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Princeton Health and Rehabilitation

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

SIGN ON BONUS: $2,000

Position Summary: Day shift 6am -2pm; Evening shift 2-10pm and night shift 10pm - 6am.

Join a team where your growth, success, and impact are at the heart of our mission. At Pure Health, we're not just building careers; we're nurturing lifelong journeys of professional and personal development. We're committed to taking care of our community, providing unparalleled care and making a meaningful impact like nowhere else. Be part of a team that's dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

Unmatched Benefits & Perks:

  • Tuition Reimbursement and Professional License Renewal Reimbursement

  • Free CEUs

  • 401k Plan

  • Rewards and Recognition via Care Heroes Program (Gift Cards for Great Performance!)

  • Flexible Scheduling

  • Professional Career Growth


The Certified Nursing Assistant is an integral role to the nursing team and has a significant impact on the overall delivery of care to facility customers. The CNA is responsible for providing quality care to customers and supporting the goals for shift objectives to enhance team efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide and assist with physical care of patients which will include but not limited to bathing, oral hygiene, grooming, incontinent care, toileting, colostomy care, prosthetic appliances, transferring, ambulation and range of motion

2. Responsible for real-time documentation of patient care and observations

3. Communicate timely with Licensed Nurse any observed or perceived changes in patient’s condition or behavior

4. Assist in the dining process by preparing customer for meals; serves and collects trays, assists in setting up and feeding residents, serves refreshments. Completes meal assessment and records oral intakes accurately

5. Responsible for patient transport to scheduled therapy appointments

6. Assists in recreational, motivational and socialization activities of care program

7. Responsible for timely response to call lights and providing appropriate response or service

8. Responsible for regular rounding with customers to anticipate and identify needs and respond timely and appropriately

9. Fully understand all aspects of patient’s rights, including the right to be free of restraints and free of abuse. Responsible for promptly reporting incidents of evidence of patient abuse or violation of patient’s rights

10. Maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of each patient in the delivery of services to them. Encourages growth and independence as care progression warrants

11. Assists in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of customer room. Assists in maintaining a safe customer environment

12. Adhere to infection control procedures including but not limited to hand washing and isolation practices

13. Adhere to Par Scanning procedures to ensure accurate tally of supple usage and availability

14. Ensure uniform and personal appearance is clean and professional

15. Maintain clinical competence through completion of annual continuing education requirements

16. May participate in interdisciplinary customer and service improvement initiatives

Competencies

  • Thoroughly completes assignments
  • Performs assigned treatment according to patient plan of care
  • Reports timely changes in customer’s condition to appropriate party
  • Demonstrates accurate ADL documentation
  • Demonstrates accurate documentation in real-time
  • Demonstrates proficient knowledge of equipment in customer care areas
  • Treatments and procedures are performed accurately and with proficient technique
  • Demonstrates a proactive approach to complete assigned floor duties

Required Education/Experience

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent

Required License/Certification

  • Successful completion of a state approved Nursing Assistant Certification course
  • Valid state CNA license
  • Current BLS (CPR) certification

Preferred Education/Experience

  • A minimum of one (1) year experience in a CNA role

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients through compassionate care and dedicated service!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, PRN

Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour