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Recreational Therapists - 29-1125.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and arts and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Recreation Therapist
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Activity Director
  • Rehabilitation Therapist
  • Activity Assistant
  • Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Activity Coordinator
  • Music Therapist (Rehabilitation)
  • Activities Director

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
  • Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
  • Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
  • Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests and objectives of therapy.
  • Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
  • Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
  • Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
  • Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients themselves to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
  • Plan, organize, direct and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community and prevent further medical problems.
  • Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer medications or treatments
  • analyze medical data
  • analyze patient activity
  • assess therapy needs of patients
  • assist patient to improve or develop work skills
  • collect clinical data
  • communicate technical information
  • direct and coordinate treatment program activities
  • document medical prognosis
  • evaluate patient response to therapy
  • follow patient care procedures
  • identify body response variations
  • instruct participants in recreational activities
  • lead recreational activities
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • maintain therapy equipment
  • make decisions
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
  • perform safety inspections in health care setting
  • plan therapy treatment program
  • position patient for therapy
  • take vital signs
  • teach medical self care
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings
  • work with persons with mental disabilities or illnesses

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Art Therapist
  • Dance Therapist
  • Horticultural Therapist
  • Music Therapist
  • Recreational Therapist