How to Train to Be a Recreation Therapist
- 1). Earn a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreational therapy or recreational therapy with a concentration in therapeutic recreation from an accredited college or university. You will complete an internship as part of the program.
- 2). Take the licensing exam if required by the state you wish to work in. As of 2009, only Oklahoma, Utah, New Hampshire and North Carolina required licensing. You can check with your state's medical board for the latest details about licensing.
- 3). Consider obtaining the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. This entails passage of a written exam and at least 480 hours of a supervised internship.
- 4). Obtain further training in aquatics, art, music, dance or other therapy specialization if you want to earn certification in a particular area of the field.
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