Occupation information for

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 arts and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Currently Employed: 22,400

Yearly Projected Openings: 1,190

Typical Hourly Wage: $15.89 - $26.21

Typical Annual Salary: $33,000 - $54,500

• Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
• Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
• 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.
• Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests and objectives of therapy.
• Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
• Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients themselves to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
• Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
• Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
• 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.
• Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.

• Canoes or kayaks
• Pianos
• Recreational rowboats
• Recreational sailboats
• Wheelchairs

• Data base user interface and query software
• Music or sound editing software
• Presentation software
• Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software