Recreation Therapist Jobs in North Carolina

A Recreation Therapist, also known as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, utilizes treatment services and recreation activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. They interact with diverse patient populations from children to the elderly, with a broad range of health conditions, such as developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and physical illnesses or injuries. Recreation Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for individuals in institutions, clinical environments, or community settings.

To become a Recreation Therapist, one must possess a combination of hard and soft skills. These include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, patience, empathy, creativity, and adaptability. They should have a strong understanding of human anatomy, disability issues, and therapeutic theories. Additionally, they need to be physically fit, as the job often involves physical activities. A bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field is typically required. Most employers prefer candidates who are certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Before becoming a Recreation Therapist, a person may have roles such as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Occupational Therapist Assistant.

1-15 of 18 Jobs

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career Please Apply By: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Hiring Range: $20.31/hr - $26.65/hr This is a non-exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill,...

Recreation Specialist- West Charlotte Recreation Center

  • Charlotte, NC
  • 1 day ago
  • Charlotte, NC
  • 1 day ago

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career Please Apply By: Sunday, April 27, 2025 Hiring Range: $20.31/hr - $26.65/hr This is a non-exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill,...

Supervisory Recreation Specialist (OR) NF-04

  • Fort Bragg, NC
  • 1 day ago
  • Fort Bragg, NC
  • 1 day ago

This position is located at Equipment Checkout Center, Fort Bragg, NC. To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information (name, address, phone number, email,...

Recreational Therapist (PRN)

  • Garner, NC
  • 3 days ago
  • Garner, NC
  • 3 days ago

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art,...

Art - Music Therapist Atrium Health Mercy FT Days

  • Charlotte, NC
  • 4 days ago
  • Charlotte, NC
  • 4 days ago

Experience establishing an inpatient neonatal or pediatric art in healthcare/music therapy program preferred....

Recreation Therapist, Inpatient Rehab

  • New Bern, NC
  • 15 days ago
  • New Bern, NC
  • 15 days ago

Maintain certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and licensure as a licensed Recreation Therapist...

Recreational Therapist

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 18 days ago
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 18 days ago

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Professional Experience Requirements: No prior experience required....

Art Therapist

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 24 days ago
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 24 days ago

Description Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve. Summary: This position...

Recreation Therapist

  • Winston Salem, NC
  • 29 days ago
  • Winston Salem, NC
  • 29 days ago

Job Summary The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is responsible and accountable for the planning, directing and provision of assessment and of psycho-educational groups and therapeutic recreational...

Recreation Specialist (Pool Manager), Nf-0188-03 (Not To Exceed 10/21/2025)

  • Jacksonville, NC
  • 60+ days ago
  • Jacksonville, NC
  • 60+ days ago

What to Expect Protects swimmers from hazardous conditions by ensuring that safety and pool rules and regulations are enforced. Performs rescue work, promptly renders emergency first aid, and...

Recreation Specialist (Pool Manager), Nf-0188-03 (Not To Exceed 10/21/2025)

  • Jacksonville, NC
  • 60+ days ago
  • Jacksonville, NC
  • 60+ days ago

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their...

Recreation Therapist

  • Hickory, NC
  • 60+ days ago
  • Hickory, NC
  • 60+ days ago

, by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)....

Recreational Therapist - Central Regional Hospital

  • Oxford, NC
  • 60+ days ago
  • Oxford, NC
  • 60+ days ago

Central Regional Hospital Per G.S. 126-5(c1) (37), this position is Exempt from all provisions of NC General Statute Chapter 126 (State Human Resources Act) with the exception of Articles 6 and...

Recreational Therapist, LRT I

  • Greenville, NC
  • 60+ days ago
  • Greenville, NC
  • 60+ days ago

Minimum Requirements BS/ BA and or MS in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreational Therapy....

Recreational Therapist (Broughton Hospital)

  • Morganton, NC
  • 60+ days ago
  • Morganton, NC
  • 60+ days ago

Recreation Specialist by the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience."...

Demographic Data for North Carolina

Moving to North Carolina? Find some basic demographic data about North Carolina below.


Local
National
10,439,413
246,359

Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTherapy curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Leadership Skills Development for Occupational Therapists
The Leadership Skills Development MOOC for Occupational Therapists will support course participants to gain insights into their leadership potential, values and preferences. Together we will...
Therapeutic Recreation Course
Overview Therapeutic recreation allows people to achieve mental, emotional and physical well-being through an enjoyable journey. Explore the world of therapeutic recreation and gain an in-depth...
CranioSacral Therapist
Osteopathy in the Cranial FieldHey everyone! In this course, we're going to explore Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, or OCF. This technique, developed by William Garner Sutherland, uses the...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in North Carolina

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTherapy research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.



Highest Education Level

Recreation Therapists in North Carolina offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
50.9%
Master's Degree
31.0%
Associate's Degree
7.7%
Doctorate Degree
3.7%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
2.7%
Some College
0.5%
Some High School
0.1%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Recreation Therapists in North Carolina
Less than 1 year
50.0%
1-2 years
26.9%
2-4 years
15.4%
6-8 years
3.9%
None
3.9%



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