The Pros And Cons Of Recreational Therapy

During this global movement, the word “recreational therapist” was made by the Menninger brothers. The Sisters of Charity from Quebec also had a big part in this global movement for recreational therapy in 1893. These sisters had their own asylum, which was different than a regular asylum at this time. The Sisters of Charity had parks and gardens around their building, to which all patients had access. They incorporated dancing, music, games, reading, and picnics into their daily schedules. In 1937, the first radios was placed in hospitals and prison. The radios played the normal: music and news, yet this simple installment had a huge impact on the patients (Wallot). In the twentieth century, the American Red Cross hired its first recreational …show more content…
An internship of four hundred and eighty hours must be completed (Kesler). The internship must be certified by a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (“The Recreational Therapy Professional”). Recreational therapy demands a worker to be knowledgable in many different areas. A therapist must be knowledgable in the areas of abnormal psychology, principles of therapy, kinesiology, legal aspects of health care, sociology, first aid, human development, knowledge of medicine, and anatomy (“Recreational Therapy”, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; “Summary Report for: 29-1125.00- Recreational Therapists”). A high school student can take classes to educate themselves before attending college like: health science, physical education and science, nursing fundamentals, sociology, biology, and psychology (“Recreational Therapist). Other courses like development disabilities, mental health, pediatric clients, and addictions. Degrees in recreational therapy must be through an accredited university. A student must also pass the national certification examination. Every five years, the student must go through a recertification process through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (“The Recreational Therapy Professional”). Depending on the job chosen, depends on the salary and hours. Recreation therapy is a full time job (“Recreational Therapists”, Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most jobs are forty hours a week, sometimes evenings, weekends, and holidays (Kesler). They are expected to make $42,280 per every year (“Recreational Therapists”, Bureau of Labor Statistics). A person can choose many different jobs like: a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, activity director or assistant, and rehabilitation therapist (“Summary Report for: 29-1125.00- Recreational Therapists”). There