| Individuals receiving a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation can become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).
They provide treatment services and recreational activities to individuals with illnesses or disabling conditions. CTRSs help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. They help individuals recover their basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, build confidence, and socialize more effectively to allow them to be more independent, as well as to reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability
Community-based CTRSs work in park and recreation departments, special education programs for school districts, or programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists provide a myrid of services in community settings, including adapted sports and activities, inclusion facilitation, leisure and social skills instruction, and opportunities to connect with the community through participation in recreation.
Typical Job Titles
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Therapeutic Rrecreation Specialist
- Inclusion Facilitator
- Recreation Activities Coordinator
Typical Job Responsibilities
- Assess clients based on information from standardized assessments, observations, medical records, medical staff, family and the clients themselves
- Develop and implement interventions consistent with client/patient needs and interests
- May instruct clients/patients in relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension in correct stretching and limbering exercises
- Proper body mechanics for participation in recreational activities
- Pacing and energy conservation techniques
- Individual and team activities
- In community based settings, help clients develop leisure activities and healthy leisure lifestyles that provide opportunities for exercise, cognitive stimulation, creativity, socialization, and overall improved quality of life
Market Outlook
Employment of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 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. The job placement rate for Southern Miss alumni in Therapeutic Recreation within the first month of graduation is usually near 100 percent.
Internship
An internship of 480 hours under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist is required for graduation and certification.
Licensure/Certification Requirements
Most employers prefer to hire candidates who are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) certifies therapeutic recreation specialists.
To become certified students must:
- must have a bachelor's or higher degree in therapeutic recreation for the academic path to certification
- successfully complete specific required course work, including Abnormal Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Development Psychology
- have a minimum of nine hours in therapeutic recreation
- pass a written certification examination
- complete an internship of at least 480 hours under the supervision of a certified therapeutic reaction specialist
For more information on the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, please click on the following URL. http://www.nctrc.org/aboutnctrc.htm
Salary Ranges According to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, the average salary of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist in 2004 was $38, 956. Salaries ranged from just under $20,000 to just over $81,000. Salaries vary according to areas of specialization, such as gerontology, mental retardation, and psychological/mental health.
Placement of Graduates
Southern Miss graduates in therapeutic recreation are currently employed with Conva-Rest of Hattiesburg, Gulfport Parks and Recreation, State Hospital at Whitfield, Institute for Disability Studies, Horses in Harmony (owner/operator of therapeutic riding program), U. S. Naval Home, New Hope Center, Cross Gate Manor Nursing Home, South Central Regional Medical Center, St. Dominic's Hospital, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Pine Grove Recovery Center.
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