Recreation Therapist
Recreation therapists work with people who have illnesses and disabling conditions to improve their health and quality of life through leisure and recreation.
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Avg. Salary $49,234.00
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Avg. Wage $29.38
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Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
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Outlook N/A
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Employed 2,300
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In Demand Medium
Also Known As
Therapist
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (3144)
- 2006 NOC-S: Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (D044)
- 2011 NOC: Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (3144)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
20%
20%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $24.81 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $29.38 |
| Top | $39.28 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Interest Codes
The Recreation Therapist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment
- SOCIAL
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Interest in mentoring patients by providing treatment and advising them on how to deal with their mental and physical abilities; and in consulting with other health care professionals to evaluate treatment plans
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in co-ordinating, initiating, designing and implementing specialized therapy programs for the general patient population and in the community; may conduct research in respective field of specialization
- METHODICAL
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Interest in operating - manipulating equipment and following procedures to implement treatment plans by carrying out specialized therapy sessions employing techniques such as art, athletic, dance, music or recreational therapy or remedial gymnastics; and in observing and analyzing patients during treatment sessions
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Oct 20, 2014
Recreation therapists work with people who have physical, mental, emotional, cognitive or social limitations that may affect their attitudes, ability and motivation to participate in leisure and maintain healthy, balanced lifestyles. Recreation therapists address patients' barriers to independent, meaningful social contact and community participation.
Recreation therapists work with patients to:
- remove barriers that prevent patients from participating in meaningful leisure
- educate patients about the physical, mental, social and emotional health benefits of participating in recreation activities
- help patients practice skills and improve their ability to participate in leisure and community activities as independently as possible
- maintain or improve quality of life and overall health despite illness or disability.
Recreation therapists work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers to:
- assess patient skills, needs, interests and values related to recreation and leisure
- develop intervention plans and programs
- deliver programs for individuals or groups
- maintain records about client progress and communicate with the health team
- evaluate the success of intervention plans and programs.
Working Conditions
Updated Oct 20, 2014
Working conditions vary considerably. For example, recreation therapists may work in health care settings, private homes, community facilities or outdoor environments. In some settings, they work shifts that include evenings and weekends.
Recreation therapists may be required to participate in activities that require above average strength and stamina. Lifting up to 10 kg often is required.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Oct 20, 2014
Recreation therapists need the following characteristics:
- excellent interpersonal communication skills
- enthusiasm and a positive, flexible attitude
- judgment, initiative and accountability
- the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
They should enjoy working with people, developing and implementing innovative programs, and using specially designed equipment and techniques.
Educational Requirements
Updated Oct 20, 2014
The minimum education requirement is a degree or diploma in recreation with a specialization in therapeutic recreation. A four year degree is generally required for employment as a recreation therapist in acute care hospitals. Two year diploma program graduates may be hired as recreation therapy assistants. Employers also may require applicants to have:
- first aid and CPR certification
- training in group-based fitness instruction or therapy
- specialized training in patient assessment
- a valid Class 4 or 5 driver's license.
Required Education
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
Lethbridge College
NorQuest College
University of Alberta
University of Lethbridge
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
NorQuest College
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Oct 20, 2014
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Oct 20, 2014
Recreation therapists are employed in a variety of settings:
- hospitals and related urgent and community care facilities
- long term care and assisted living residences
- rehabilitation hospitals and clinics
- day programs and outpatient services
- private community based agencies.
Advancement opportunities vary depending on the organization and the therapist's academic qualifications.
Recreation therapists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3144: Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Oct 20, 2014
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.84 | $38.05 | $24.81 | $20.67 |
| Overall | $20.50 | $44.45 | $29.38 | $25.64 |
| Top | $21.50 | $53.65 | $39.28 | $41.03 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $72,680 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $53,805 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $49,234 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $48,725 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
52%
52%
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
20%
20%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Oct 20, 2014
Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association website: www.alberta-tr.org
Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association website: www.canadian-tr.org
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Apr 11, 2014. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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