Recreational Therapy, also known as Therapeutic Recreation, is a treatment service designed to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as to reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.
Eligibility
- Educational Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field such as psychology, sociology, or social work.
- Some positions may require a Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field.
- Certification:
- Certification from a recognized body can enhance job prospects. In many countries, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is widely recognized.
- In India, certifications from relevant health and rehabilitation bodies can be beneficial.
- Skills Required:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Creativity and the ability to design engaging recreational activities.
- Understanding of various disabilities and how they impact individuals.
Selection Procedure
- Entrance Exams:
- Some institutes may have entrance exams for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Academic Performance:
- Admission is typically based on academic performance in the qualifying examination.
- Interview:
- Some institutes might conduct interviews to assess the candidate’s aptitude and interest in the field.
Job Opportunities
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers:
- Work with patients recovering from illnesses or injuries.
- Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities:
- Provide recreational activities for elderly residents.
- Community Centers:
- Organize activities for various groups, including those with disabilities.
- Schools and Special Education Centers:
- Develop programs for children with special needs.
- Private Practice:
- Some therapists may offer services on a consultancy basis.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
- Work with NGOs that focus on mental health and rehabilitation.
Institutes for Study in India
- National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai
- Offers programs related to rehabilitation and therapy.
- National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad
- Provides courses and training in various therapeutic and rehabilitation fields.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
- Offers programs in social work and related fields which can be a good foundation for a career in recreational therapy.
- Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD), Mumbai
- Offers courses in therapy and rehabilitation for individuals with speech and hearing disabilities.
- Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), New Delhi
- Provides information on accredited programs and institutes offering courses in therapeutic recreation and related fields.
Recreational Therapy is a rewarding career that combines creativity, empathy, and a passion for helping others. With the growing recognition of mental health and holistic rehabilitation in India, the demand for qualified recreational therapists is on the rise