Recreational Therapist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. These therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, substance abuse centres, rehabilitation centres, special education departments and parks and recreation departments. (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Interview: Recreationist - from StudyinCanada.com
- Career Profile: Recreation Coordinator/Facilitator - Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP)
- Career Profile: Recreation Coordinators/Therapists - MAHCP
- Where can you find Recreational Therapists working? (scroll to bottom of page to view links) - ATRA
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- CTRS Professional Profile: Salary and Wages Data for Canadian Respondents (2019) from NCTRC - See under "Marketing Materials" section
- Collective Agreements - Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Recreation Manitoba (formerly Recreation Connections Manitoba)
- Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba 211- Directory of Social Service Organizations in Manitoba
- Regional Health Authorities - Province of Manitoba
- Health Regions in Canada - listings and maps from Statistics Canada
- Manitoba Association of Seniors Centres - Locations
- Long Term and Continuing Care Association of Manitoba - members
- Health Charities Coalition of Canada - members
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- Health Careers Manitoba (includes Winnipeg Regional Health Authority)
- Recreation Manitoba - employment opportunities
- Therapeutic Recreation Directory - jobs board (U.S.)
- Charity Village - specialized job board for Canadian non-profit professionals
- Work In Non-Profits.ca
- Community Economic Development Job Board (CCEDNet)
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Podcast: FUNdamentals of Recreation - Recreation Manitoba
- Article: CHEO therapist helps Paralympians achieve dreams, disabled children find joy- Ottawa Citizen
- Article: Shared Stories: Recreation Coordinator at HSC - Shared Health
- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
- Fit Kids Healthy Kids - physical literacy program from Doctors Manitoba and Sport Manitoba
- Outdoor Council of Canada
- Special Olympics Manitoba
- Physical and Health Education Canada
- Canadian Association on Gerontology
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Recreation Programs - Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services
- Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association