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Recreational Therapy Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nexus Health Systems

Recreation Therapist

Conroe, TX · On-site

Provide guidance or clinical supervision to recreational therapy assistants, aides, interns, fieldwork students, and volunteers as appropriate. * Participate in safety, quality improvement, risk ...

New

KurzSolutions

Recreational Therapist

Corcoran, CA · On-site

Internship experience does not count. * Bachelor's or master's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field from an accredited institution. * Must be proficient in both ...

KurzSolutions

Recreational Therapist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

Internship experience does not count. * Bachelor's or master's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field from an accredited institution. * Must be proficient in both ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Recreation Therapy Intern

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

... Recreational Therapy Interns who are prepared to complete 600 hours of internship work. This internship opportunity is nonpaid. Under supervision of National and State certified Recreation Therapists ...

MUSC

Recreational Therapist

Charleston, SC · On-site

Provides training, orientation and education of staff: occupational/recreation/music/art therapy interns and other students associated with Psychiatry. Additional Minimum Requirements : Bachelor ...

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Recreational Therapy Internship information

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How much do recreational therapy internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational 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 recreational therapy internship?

A Recreational Therapy Internship is a supervised, hands-on training experience for students pursuing a career in recreational therapy. Interns work alongside certified recreational therapists in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or community organizations. During the internship, students learn to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and lead therapeutic activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. This internship is often required for graduation and is essential for gaining practical skills and meeting certification requirements.

What are some common challenges faced during a recreational therapy internship, and how can interns effectively overcome them?

During a Recreational Therapy Internship, interns often encounter challenges such as adapting therapeutic activities to diverse client needs, managing group dynamics, and balancing administrative tasks with direct client interaction. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to seek regular feedback from supervisors, actively participate in team meetings, and stay organized with time management tools. Building strong communication skills and being open to learning from experienced therapists can also enhance your ability to address client needs effectively and contribute positively to the team.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Therapy Intern, you need foundational knowledge in therapeutic recreation, typically gained through coursework in recreational therapy or related fields and often requiring CPR/first aid certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, activity planning software, and documentation systems is common in this role. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help interns build rapport with clients and tailor interventions effectively. These skills are crucial for delivering meaningful therapeutic experiences that enhance clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

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

AspectRecreational Therapy InternshipRecreational Therapist
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of a degree program in recreational therapy or related fieldLicensed or certified recreational therapist with required credentials
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical or hospital settings, internships often part-time or temporaryFull-time employment in hospitals, rehab centers, or community settings
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, internship programs, healthcare facilitiesHealthcare providers, rehabilitation centers, senior living facilities
PurposeGain practical experience and training in recreational therapyProvide therapeutic recreational services to clients to improve health and well-being

In summary, a Recreational Therapy Internship is a training position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience, while a Recreational Therapist is a licensed professional providing therapeutic services. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed recreational therapist.

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

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What states have the most Recreational Therapy Internship jobs?

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Recreational Therapy Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Internship 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 $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreation Therapist

Nexus Health Systems

Conroe, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Nexus Health Systems rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Certified Recreational Therapist
Nexus Children's Hospital - Shenandoah, TX
Make an Impact Beyond Traditional Recreation
Nexus Children's Hospital - Shenandoah is seeking a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) with experience working with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental, developmental, behavioral, and complex medical needs.
This is a clinical recreational therapy role-not simply activity coordination. The Recreational Therapist is an integral member of our interdisciplinary treatment team, using evidence-based therapeutic recreation interventions to improve patients' cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral, and physical functioning.
Our ideal candidate understands how to engage children and adolescents who may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), neurological conditions, behavioral challenges, communication limitations, and complex medical or rehabilitative needs.
What You'll Do
As a Certified Recreational Therapist, you will assess patients, develop individualized treatment plans, provide therapeutic interventions, and evaluate outcomes throughout the patient's stay.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Conduct comprehensive recreational therapy assessments using observation, interviews, performance testing, record review, and input from families and the interdisciplinary team.
  • Identify patient strengths and limitations related to cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral, physical, and leisure functioning.
  • Develop individualized recreational therapy treatment plans with measurable short- and long-term functional goals.
  • Design and implement therapeutic interventions appropriate for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and developmental disabilities.
  • Adapt activities and interventions based on each patient's developmental level, communication abilities, sensory needs, behavioral presentation, and physical capabilities.
  • Provide individual and group recreational therapy designed to improve functional independence, emotional regulation, social skills, coping skills, leisure participation, and quality of life.
  • Evaluate patient progress and modify interventions based on clinical response, changing needs, and treatment goals.
  • Collaborate closely with physicians, nursing, behavioral health, rehabilitation, therapy, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
  • Engage families and caregivers in assessment, treatment planning, and discharge planning when appropriate.
  • Document assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, therapeutic units, and discharge summaries accurately and timely.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary treatment and discharge planning.
  • Connect patients and families with appropriate community resources and recreational programs to support successful reintegration following discharge.
  • Support activity coordination and serve as a recreational therapy resource throughout the hospital.
  • Assist with the development and maintenance of the hospital's volunteer program.
  • Provide guidance or clinical supervision to recreational therapy assistants, aides, interns, fieldwork students, and volunteers as appropriate.
  • Participate in safety, quality improvement, risk management, and program evaluation initiatives.
  • Communicate department needs, goals, challenges, and successes to the Director of Rehabilitation Services.
Who We're Looking For
We are specifically seeking candidates who have experience working with pediatric or adolescent neurodevelopmental populations.
Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Recreational Therapy from an accredited college or university.
Experience
  • Minimum of one year of recreational therapy experience.
  • Experience working with children or adolescents with neurodevelopmental or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with populations including autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, neurological conditions, behavioral challenges, cognitive impairments, or complex rehabilitative needs is highly desirable.
  • Experience in an inpatient hospital, pediatric rehabilitation, behavioral health, residential treatment, or similar multidisciplinary setting is a plus.
Licensure & Certification
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) required.
  • Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
  • Nexus-approved Nonviolent Crisis Intervention/CPI/SAMA certification required or must be obtained following hire.
  • Must maintain all required licenses and certifications in good standing throughout employment.
  • Tuberculosis screening must be completed in accordance with facility requirements.

Why Nexus Children's Hospital - Shenandoah?
At Nexus, recreational therapy is an important part of the patient's overall clinical treatment plan. You'll work alongside an interdisciplinary team caring for children and adolescents whose needs often extend beyond what traditional behavioral health, rehabilitation, or pediatric programs can accommodate.
We're looking for a therapist who can meet patients where they are developmentally, creatively adapt interventions, and turn recreation into meaningful clinical progress.
If you are a CTRS who is passionate about helping children and adolescents with complex neurodevelopmental needs build skills, independence, confidence, and quality of life, we want to hear from you.
Apply today to join Nexus Children's Hospital - Shenandoah.

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