As of 1998, there were fewer than 43 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, and characteristics of illnesses and disabilities. 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. However, the total number of job openings will be relatively low, because the occupation is small. Opportunities should be best for persons with a bachelor s degree in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with an option in therapeutic recreation. 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.