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Behavioral Health

Recreational Therapist

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

Annual openings

40

Median wage

$66,580

Typical education

Master's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Master's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

This does not require previous work experience; however, a person could work in a lower-level Behavioral Health role first.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
  2. Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
  3. 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.
  4. Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
  5. Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
  6. Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
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