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This question is about certified recreational therapist education.
What degree do you need to be a recreational therapist?
You need a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy to become a recreational therapist.
To work as a certified recreational therapist you will first need a bachelor's degree, a formal internship, and the passing of a national certification examination. Most recreational therapists have a bachelor's degree in recreational or therapeutic therapy. Coursework primarily focuses on the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences and recreation and leisure theory.
Key courses to take for those who are interested in working as a recreational therapist include assessment, human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, and the use of assistive devices and technology.
A qualified recreational therapist is someone who is nationally certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, also referred to as Recreational Therapists. Qualified professionals are certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Prospective recreational therapists may qualify for certification through one of three pathways. The first option requires a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, completion of a supervised internship of at least 560 hours, and passing an exam. The other options also require passing an exam but allow candidates with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated subject to qualifying with various combinations of education and work experience.
In order to maintain certification, therapists must either pass an exam or complete work experience and continuing education requirements every 5 years. Once you are certified through NCTRC, you must maintain your credentials every five years through the NCTRC recertification process.
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