Recreational therapists provide assistance in teaching the student about recreational activities and how to use community resources. The primary responsibility for these therapists is to integrate students into the community. Recreational therapists observe and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress. These records are used by the medical staff and others, to monitor progress, to justify changes or end treatment, and for billing. When working with clients during community integration programs, they may travel locally to instruct clients on the accessibility of public transportation and other public areas, such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants, and theaters.
Therapists often lift and carry equipment as well as lead recreational activities.
Recreational therapists generally work a 40-hour week, which may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. About 38 percent of salaried jobs for therapists were in hospitals and 26 percent were in nursing homes. Others worked in residential facilities, community mental health centers, adult day care programs, correctional facilities, community programs for people with disabilities, and substance abuse centers. Persons may qualify for paraprofessional positions with an associate degree in recreational therapy or a health care related field. To become certified, specialists must have a bachelor's degree, pass a written certification examination, and complete an internship of at least 360 hours under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist.