Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Career Guide

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists use structured activities—sports, games, arts, community outings—to help people with illness, injury, or disability improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. They assess needs, create treatment plans, lead interventions, and document progress as part of an interdisciplinary care team.

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Key Responsibilities

Conduct patient assessments and set measurable treatment goals
Develop individualized recreation treatment plans and session outlines
Lead group and 1:1 therapeutic activities and adapt them for abilities
Document progress notes and outcomes in EHR
Collaborate with PT/OT/SLP, nursing, and physicians on care plans
Train patients and families on carryover and community reintegration
Select and maintain adaptive equipment and activity materials

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead Recreational Therapist

Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor/Manager

Rehabilitation Program Coordinator

Director of Therapeutic Recreation

Transition Opportunities

Activity Director (Long-Term Care)

Child Life Specialist

Behavioral Health Technician/Coordinator

Recreation Program Coordinator (Community Parks & Rec)

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

CTRS-level assessment and treatment planningAdapting interventions for complex medical/behavioral needsAccurate, timely EHR documentation and outcomes trackingManaging groups in acute psych/rehab milieus

Development SuggestionsComplete NCTRC-approved coursework and a 560-hour RT internship; shadow a CTRS and volunteer with adaptive sports or inpatient groups to practice documentation and facilitation.

Market Intelligence Report

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is part of the Therapy & Rehabilitation category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$45,000-$52,000

Mid Level$52,000-$62,000

Senior Level$62,000-$75,000

Growth Trend

stable — Modest growth with steady demand in rehab, behavioral health, and aging services

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Veterans Health Administration (VA)Encompass HealthHCA Healthcare

Industry Sectors

HealthcareBehavioral HealthLong-Term Care & Rehabilitation

Recommended Next Steps

Verify NCTRC eligibility, complete required RT coursework, and secure a 560-hour clinical internship; then sit for the CTRS exam.

Obtain BLS/CPR and CPI certifications; build a portfolio of group protocols with measurable goals and outcomes.

Gain experience by volunteering or per-diem work in rehab, behavioral health, or long-term care; network via ATRA chapters and request informational interviews with CTRSs.