Get started in one of the fastest growing health-related professions. Moraine Valley's Recreation Therapy program prepares you for a career in therapeutic-based treatment programming for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Recreation therapists (RT) use a variety of modalities including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, aquatics and community outings to help maintain or improve a person's physical, social, cognitive, spiritual and emotional well-being.
Recreation Therapists evaluate physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs, strengths, and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. This information is the basis for developing individualized treatment plans and interventions to support the individual’s goals toward wellness. Learn to assess individuals’ needs, plan and implement specific interventions to meet those needs and document and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
$23.05
Median Hourly Pay
$47,940
Median Annual Salary
Recreation Therapists plan and implement a variety of therapeutic interventions to include but not limited to:
- Expressive arts
- Aquatic Therapy
- Horticulture Therapy
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Adapted sports
- Stress Management
- Fitness
- Community out Trips
- Special Events
- Crafts
- Dance
- Music
- Equine Therapy (Therapeutic Horseback Riding)
Careers can be in a variety of diverse settings including:
- Centers for Autism and Related Disorders
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Facilities
- Treatment Centers for Substance Abuse
- Pediatric Hospitals
- Skilled Care and Assisted Living Nursing Facilities
- Long-Term Care – Memory Support
- Mental Health Hospitals
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Veterans Administration Hospital
- Schools Systems
- Adult Day Care Settings
- Special Recreation Associations
- Centers for Developmental Disabilities
- Community Recreation/Camps for Individuals with Disabilities
- Special Olympics
Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom generation ages, they will need recreational therapists to help treat age-related injuries and illnesses and to help them maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Helping veterans manage service-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or injuries such as the loss of a limb. Recreation Therapists can lead therapeutic interventions that help to reintegrate veterans into their communities and help them to adjust to any physical, social, or cognitive limitations.
As the US population ages, more people will need recreation therapists to help treat age-related injuries and illnesses. Older people are more likely to suffer from stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and mobility-related injuries that may benefit from recreation therapy.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics
To be admitted to this program, please submit your general admission application to and then contact Stacy Sheerin via sheerins@herosee.net or by completing the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Required Career courses for the program are only offered once a year so it is critical to seek advising from the program coordinator to guide you in selecting the right courses to complete your Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Illinois Recreation Therapy Association
SRANI Special Recreation Association Network of Illinois
Program Details
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreation Therapy | A.A.S. | 1259 | Public Service |
Questions?
Contact the program coordinator Stacy Sheerin.
