What is a Recreational Therapist (RT)?
A recreational therapist is an allied health professional who uses activity-based interventions (recreation therapy) to address client treatment goals. Recreational therapists must earn the CTRS credential by passing the exam from NCTRC. Individuals who work in the recreation or adaptive recreation field without the CTRS credential, cannot be called a recreational therapist. RTs can also earn specialty designations from NCTRC in adaptive sports & recreation, behavioral health, community inclusion, developmental disabilities, geriatrics, pediatrics, and physical medicine/rehab.
What is the RT Scope of Practice?
“The primary purpose of recreation therapy practice is to improve health and quality of life by reducing impairments of body function and structure, reducing activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental barriers of the clients served. The ultimate goal of recreation therapy is to facilitate full and optimal involvement in community life. The scope of recreation therapy practice includes all patient/client services of assessments, planning, design, implementation, evaluation and documentation of specific therapeutic interventions, management, consultation, research, and education, for either individuals or groups that require specific therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy intervention. This scope of practice represents, at a minimum, the process and knowledge base delineated in the most recent National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Job Analysis Study (Job Tasks and Knowledge Areas for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and delivered by a CTRS consistent with professional standards of practice, and codes of ethics with the intent of enhancing consumer safety.” (NCTRC)
Who do RTs work with?
Veterans, older adults, children, individuals with developmental disorders, cognitive disorders, physical disorders, and mental health disorders.
Where do RTs work?
Parks and recreation departments, hospitals, fitness centers, rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, adult day programs, correctional centers, mental health centers, addiction treatment centers, behavioral health centers, adaptive sports programs, school systems (RT is a related service in IEPs for most states), and private RT facilities.
Recreation Therapy 