As of 1996, there were fewer than 50 recreation programs with options in therapeutic recreation that were accredited by the National Council on Accreditation. In addition to therapeutic recreation course work in assessment, treatment and program planning, and intervention design and evaluation, students study human anatomy, physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, and the concepts of inclusion and normalization. Courses cover professional ethics, assessment and referral procedures, interdisciplinary teamwork, management, and the use of assistive devices and technology. Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or have disabilities. Ingenuity, a good sense of humor, and a strong imagination are needed to adapt activities to individual needs, and good physical coordination is necessary to demonstrate or participate in recreational events.
Therapists can advance to supervisory or administrative positions.
Some teach, conduct research, or perform contract consulting work. Job Outlook Employment of recreational therapists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006, because of anticipated expansion in long-term care, physical and psychiatric rehabilitation, and services for people with disabilities. Job prospects are expected to be favorable for those with a strong health care background. Health care facilities will provide a large number of recreational therapy jobs through the year 2006. The rapidly growing number of older adults is expected to spur job growth for activity directors and recreational therapy paraprofessionals in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care programs, and social service agencies.