1

Recreational Therapist Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the recreation therapist also participates in varied department activities designed to enhance patient care and programs within Rehabilitation Services.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the recreation therapist also participates in varied department activities designed to enhance patient care and programs within Rehabilitation Services.

Recreational Therapist will be working in a Complex Intervention Unit where inpatients will have acute medical complications in addition to active mental health diagnosis. Experience with mental ...

Recreational Therapist will be working in a Complex Intervention Unit where inpatients will have acute medical complications in addition to active mental health diagnosis. Experience with mental ...

Schedule 8am-4pm (Recreation, Music, Art, Yoga) Your Work Matters How will you make a difference? Join our dynamic team at Lake Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as a PRN Expressive Therapist

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Art, Music, or Recreation therapy, humanities, social work or related therapeutic discipline. Experience: One (1) year of related ...

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited colle ge or university in Art, Music, or Recreation therapy, humanities, social work or related therapeutic discipline . Experience: One (1) year of related ...

Ideal opportunity for new graduates or experienced Physical Therapists looking to build and refine ... Access to outdoor recreation, including scenic trails and forest preserves Interested? Text or call ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recreational Therapist information

See Racine, WI salary details

$13

$33

$60

How much do recreational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapist in Racine, WI is $33.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational therapist?

Recreational therapists are healthcare professionals who use activities like arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and community outings to help individuals with illnesses or disabilities improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. They assess clients’ needs and develop treatment plans tailored to each person’s abilities and interests. Through these therapeutic activities, recreational therapists aim to enhance their clients’ independence and quality of life.

What does a recreational therapist do?

Recreational therapists are therapists who work with patients recovering from injury or illness, as well as those with disabilities. They design creative activities that help their patients improve their wellbeing. Examples of therapeutic activities can include art, dance, swimming, and sports, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a recreational therapist?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapist, you need a degree in recreational therapy or a related field, knowledge of therapeutic techniques, and often national certification (CTRS). Familiarity with adaptive equipment, assessment tools, and documentation systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport and adapt activities to diverse client needs. These competencies are crucial for designing effective, individualized treatment plans that improve clients’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What are common challenges recreational therapists face when developing individualized treatment plans?

One common challenge Recreational Therapists encounter is tailoring activities to meet the diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each client, especially in group settings. Balancing client preferences with therapeutic goals, facility resources, and safety requirements often requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and family members to ensure continuity of care can add complexity, but also provides rewarding opportunities to advocate for clients and refine personalized interventions.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectRecreational TherapistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Recreational Therapy, certification (CTRS)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health, senior careRehabilitation, sports medicine, healthcare
Common Search/ComparisonRecreational Therapist vs Physical Therapist

Recreational therapists focus on using recreational activities to improve clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being, often working in community and healthcare settings. Physical therapists primarily focus on restoring mobility and reducing pain through physical interventions. While both roles require healthcare credentials and work in similar environments, their approaches and goals differ significantly.

How hard is it to become a recreational therapist?

Becoming a recreational therapist typically requires earning a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, completing supervised clinical hours, and obtaining certification such as the CTRS credential. The process involves academic coursework, practical experience, and passing a certification exam, making it a moderately challenging but achievable career path for those interested in healthcare and therapy services.

What can you do with a recreational therapist degree?

A recreational therapist degree prepares individuals to develop and implement therapeutic recreation programs for patients with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. Graduates can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or community settings, using activities to improve clients' well-being and functional abilities. Certification, such as CTRS, is often required or preferred for employment.

Where do recreational therapists make the most money?

Recreational therapists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater healthcare funding, such as urban areas or states with robust healthcare industries. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or specialized clinics.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI?

The most popular types of Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Recreational Therapist jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Recreational Therapist job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreational Therapist job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,145 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

Rogers Behavioral Health

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Rogers Behavioral Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

752nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Experiential Therapist

New Employee Retention Bonus*$5,000.00 retention bonus available!(New Employee is defined as someone who has not been employed with Rogers for more than six months)Schedule: Different schedules/FTE's available based on program. Part-time or full-time roles available with weekday or rotating weekend schedules. Day shift schedule with hours ranging from 7am-6pm. The recreational therapist develops, plans, implements, facilitates, directs and evaluates experiential therapy programming in all specialized treatment areas. The Recreational Therapist will have a working knowledge of a psychosocial functioning of patient/resident groups as well as application of expressive activities within a psychiatric setting. These include, but are not limited to, adventure-based and environmental activities, sports, dance, group initiatives, arts/crafts, music, outdoor activities, art media, psychodrama, horticulture, ropes and challenge course.

Rogers in Oconomowoc is looking for an Experiential Therapist (Recreational Therapist, Fitness Therapist, Art Therapist, Music Therapist, Outdoor Activity Specialist) to work with our patients across our different levels of care; Inpatient, Residential and PHP/IOP. We are looking for someone with a strong passion and a unique approach to helping patients with different diagnoses.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Have a working knowledge of a psychosocial functioning of patient/resident groups as well as application of expressive activities within a psychiatric setting.
  • Utilizes recreational activities to aid patients /residents to learn to apply and utilize recovery skills being taught in protocol sessions.
  • Provides individualized treatment within a group setting.
  • Awareness of CBT and DBT skills.
Programming:
  • Conduct experiential therapy, as scheduled.
  • Evaluate, plan and coordinate programming to meet patients'/residents' needs.
  • Maintain Experiential Therapy environments for safety and supplies.
  • Be flexible with work assignments, including schedule changes and program additions.
  • Have a good working knowledge of a variety of experiential therapies.
Documentation/Treatment:
  • Complete a treatment plan and evaluation according to Rogers policy.
  • Complete therapeutic documentation according to Rogers policy.
Patient/Resident Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of intervention strategies and utilize redirection when necessary to maintain patients'/residents' safety.
  • Monitor patient/resident behavior and safely intervene appropriately, using de-escalation techniques and least-restrictive measures possible.
  • Establish a therapeutic rapport with patient/resident groups, while maintaining appropriate, professional relationships.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of psychosocial functioning of each patient/resident group. Know the common diagnostic categories and their relationship to patients'/residents' behavior within the setting. Demonstrate knowledge of treatment procedures/models (behavioral, recovery, etc.) and application within a therapy setting.
Staff Requirements:
  • Attend all mandatory in-services and other in-services relevant to the position. Be responsible for all educational requirements and related obligations pertaining to the license of the program/unit license regulatory requirements governing the program(s).
  • Complete all required orientation competencies and training within the Experiential Therapy department and Rogers.
  • Attend Experiential Therapy department and program staff meetings, as required.
  • Meet with the manager of Experiential Therapy monthly regarding clinical guidance, training, program evaluation and problem reporting.
  • Conduct program-specific programming off Rogers Behavioral Health grounds, following procedures for using Rogers owned vehicles, for designated patient populations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Additional Job Description:

Education/Training Requirements:

  • BS/BA degree is required, preferably in art, music, dance, recreation, or other therapies required. A Master's degree in these areas is also preferred.
  • Certification/registration through appropriate credentialing board preferred.
  • Valid driver license in the state of employment (Residential and PHP/IOP assignments).
  • American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR or American Red Cross Professional Rescue certification is required within thirty (30) days of the date of hire, with annual re-certification.
  • Formal training in management of the aggressive patient is required within sixty (60) days of the date of hire, with annual re-certification, including self-defense training.
  • Ropes and Challenge Course training by Rogers Memorial Hospital, with yearly renewal (where applicable to the position).
  • Employees at the Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS §40 are required to have at least one (1) year of educational or work experience and a licensure or certification when serving children with mental health disorders.
  • Applicable to Experiential Therapy pool and Experiential Therapy fixed FTE staff dedicated to a residential cost center: Compliance in Residential Care Centers (RCC) and Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) employee training requirements.

Art Credential - Cert, Art Therapist Registered - Cert, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Spec - Cert, Dance Therapist - Cert, Music Therapist - Cert

With a career at Rogers, you can look forward to a Total Rewards package of benefits, including:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and your family
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee share program
  • Life/disability insurance
  • Flex spending accounts
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Health and wellness program
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)

What Rogers Behavioral Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom