Occupation AtlasRecreational Therapists
O*NET · 29-1125.00
Recreational Therapists
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 crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Also called Activities Coordinator · Activities Therapist · Activity Therapist · Adventure Therapist · Certified Recreational Therapist · Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) · Creative Arts Therapist · CTRS
19 more
Dance Therapist · Drama Therapist · Ecotherapist · General Activities Therapist · Horticultural Therapist · LEC · Life Enrichment Coordinator (LEC) · Lifestyle Director · Music Rehabilitation Therapist · Recreation Therapist · Recreational Therapist · Recreational Therapy Program Coordinator · Recreational Therapy Technician · Rehabilitation Therapist · Therapeutic Mentor · Therapeutic Recreation Specialist · Therapeutic Riding Instructor · Therapeutic Specialist · Therapist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SIRSocial · Investigative · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.82
- I Investigative4.32
- R Realistic3.69
- A Artistic2.87
- C Conventional2.67
- E Enterprising2.51
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (34%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (40%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (29%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Service OrientationImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- CoordinationImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- InstructingImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- PersuasionImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- SciencebasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.Importance 4.6
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.Importance 4.6
- 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.Importance 4.6
- Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.Importance 4.5
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.Importance 4.5
- Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.Importance 4.5
- Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.Importance 4.5
- 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.Importance 4.4
- Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.Importance 4.4
- Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.Importance 4.2
- Develop discharge plans for patients.Importance 4.0
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PsychologyImportance 4.6Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.5Level 5.8
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- TransportationImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- BiologyImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- GeographyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Food ProductionImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- MechanicalImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- ChemistryImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- StaminaImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Rate ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Night VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.5
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.9Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Processing InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
14 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (4; 1 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
- Avid Technology Sibelius
- Email software
- Hyperscore
- MakeMusic Finale
- Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Speech recognition software
- Steinberg Cubase Pro
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Judgment and Decision Making +0.7, Operations Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Social and Human Service Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −1.0, Operations Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Healthcare Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −0.9, Science +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Recreation Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.8, Reading Comprehension −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −0.6, Monitoring +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Park Naturalists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −1.0, Instructing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Operation and Control −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Occupational Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Judgment and Decision Making +0.9, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.