This field is amazing, I wanna help people and I want them to find peace and mind in doing what calms them down, I wanna work with kids, and also elderly, and also disadvantaged youth and those struggling with addiction
Hey Megan, I am a thirteen year old looking into recreational therapy as a job! I enjoy just helping people and making them a stronger person! I want to be able to help them and I’m really considering it! To me helping people brings some so much joy and just seeing them achieve something is just amazing! I’m trying to find a career to go into cause when in high school I want to know what classes to take! In all thank you for this video it gives me such a better understanding of recreational therapy!
Hey Brooklyn! So cool that you are interested in the field of RT. I can say it is definitely a very rewarding job that takes and bright mind and a big heart! Sounds like it would be a good match for you :)
@@MeaganYoung aww thank you for replying to me I appreciate it I want to do! Is there anything in particular that is very important to remember while doing it or what schools would be good to go to, to do this job? And how many years it takes!
This is so good! Thank you for including what it often looks like from an external viewpoint as well. So often my residents would just know me as the bingo lady- then I did a presentation on rec therapy in February and they really understood all the benefits to it and were super encouraging. Thank you!
Wow you encouraged me to step out on faith and run my own Therapeutic Recreational program I’ve been in the field for 2 years going on 3 February as an assistant I’ve learned so much over the past two years from the importance of interacting with your residents and staying on top of documentation and actually implement those certain target goals we set with individual residents to carry on throughout their stay . Informative information Meg hopefully I can take my skills to Texas and achieve a successful program !
I am a Recreational Therapist (graduated in 1986), and need all who watch this to know that there are problems with reimbursement of RT services by Medicaid and Medicare, and ultimately commercial insurances follow suit. What my experience has been is that these positions are few and far between in healthcare due to this factor. I went back to school and obtained an MBA with a minor in Healthcare Management which has opened many more doors for much higher paying jobs that were better suited for me. The best place to look for jobs is in correctional settings and long-term care or assisted living programs. Otherwise, 'Recreation Leaders' without the same level of education will be hired to replace us and get paid a much lower rate! Good luck to all!
Thanks! This was really good to know. I've been wondering about billing and if what I want to do will even be feasible. I know who I want to work with, and was hoping with doctor recommendation, it would just get paid for. Sounds like it's not that easy... thanks Amy.
Amazing video very informative. currently in my last year of university I had passion for rec therapy a decade ago when unfortunately my grandfather collapsed and currently with dementia (still alive) and I've seen rec therapist at a young age at 10-12 seeing the recreational therapist helping my Grandfather with a thereupectic approach and even letting me shadow and help during the process at a young age to help my grandfather and till this dad I still help my grandfather in term of a recreational aspect in life and I am happy with all the experience I had gathered at a young age with my personal experience which will translate later in my career as an advantage in life hopefully. Thank you for making this video.
Thank you so much for sharing your RT story. It really is an amazing approach to helping others heal during very difficult life circumstances. Good luck with your last year of school :)
Hi Meagan! Thank you for making this awesome video! I already have my BA in psychology, and I am considering going into the field of recreational therapy. Would I have to go back to school to do my bachelors in recreational therapy? I ask because some programs in other fields will allow you to apply apply for a masters program even though your undergraduate degree may me in a different major. I am a bit lost about this. I would greatly appreciate your help! Thank you!!!
Idk why I haven't come across this channel until now! I have so man questions for you! I do love being a CTRS but burnout and imposter syndrome is in full effect.
Hi I have currently been working as an activity director in long-term care for 13 years. I have looked at this program of study a while back and had some people talk me out of it. I’m currently prenursing and I’m not interested at all in being a nurse. This video has encourage me to pursue a degree in something I’m passionate about. I I am currently looking at schools that offer this program.
Hi I am studying Bachelors in Recreation and leisure studies doing my second year. I am interested in becoming a Recreational Therapist. I am very good with kids meaning I'll be focusing on this group. I am still lost on how to become a Recreational therapist please help
Hi Meagan, great video! It was very helpful as I’m considering being an RT. Though i have a concern. I tend to be a kind of shy/reserved person who opens up over time. Is this something that could be helped through going to school? Or should I major in something else? I plan to go into an OTA program after Uni as well. Thank you in advance :)
Very informative video, thanks so much! Btw, Is that a Canadian accent that I’m occasionally hearing? I was born in NB, moved to the US as a kid, but now live in Alberta 😊
I am mildly interested because I have a nursing background but I quit nursing school because I was frustrated with myself and I did not pick my school well, however I still want to be in healthcare in the future perhaps. I am well set in a government job and I feel the pull to go back to healthcare. So I am looking into many other modalities. I would want to get into addiction and mental in CTRS. Is there any suggestions you can make concerning choosing a major.
Can you become a Recreational Therapist with an Exercise Science degree that you know of? I am getting mixed messages from google. The college I am committed to does not offer a recreational therapy bachelors program but I was planning on majoring in exercise science to pursue physical therapy until recreational therapy caught my attention and is so much more appealing!
Your video was super helpful! I’m in college now and I’m a health science major. My college doesn’t offer a bachelors in recreational therapy :( would I still be able to find jobs with my degree in health science for rec therapy?
Hello : ) I'm currently looking into becoming a recreational therapist ! I have a degree in 2D Studios, and I'm wondering if there are ways to incorporate art into the day to day of recreational therapy.
Yes there are! Im a CTRS and if you have the skills, you can actually reach out to your local skilled nursing facilities and other places to offer a specific type of art class to clients (After Covid19).
Yes! I was training to be an Art Therapist but I have since switched to RT because there are more job opportunities. Plus RT's do a lot of arts and crafts so that's awesome
Hey Allison! Yes - RT's definitely can and do incorporate different forms of art into their practice. There are so great books and other resources out there for you to dive in and learn more :)
I have a degree in Graphic Communications Design, but I've realised recently that I don't want to do this as a career. Doing another degree isn't feasible for me, do you have any recommendations for someone who can't do a degree on how to enter the field?
Soon-to-be high school graduate here. Do you NEED to major in therapeutic recreation to become a CTRS? Can you major in a related field such as psychology? Not a single college near me offers a degree in therapeutic recreation, and I’d rather not go far out of state.
Hey Meahan, I am 36 years old and done some research online, and what I saw from my end for education it was just high school diploma. and then 3 plus years working in a place that dealt with recreation specialist. So with my age of being 36, I was wondering is it possible too late to do all the education/training? Thanks
Yes! I have my BA in psychology and and MS in special ed, I decided to change career paths and am currently enrolled a year long certificate program at one of my local community colleges. After finishing the coursework, I'll be able to sit for the exam and become a CTRS.
Hi Meagan! Thanks for posting this video! I have a question. What is the typical weekly schedule like for a Recreational Therapist?( Example being Mon-Fri 9 to 5)
I am from Nepal and I have recently completed bachelor in public health and my dissertation is in youth mental health. What can I do to become a recreational therapy?
Hi Meagan thank you for this very informative video! I am looking to switch my major to Therapeutic Recreation, however, I am wondering is this a 40 hour week job? Do you have any work outside of contract hours? I am in Canada and there is a diploma program for therapeutic recreation to become a recreational therapy assistant, have you been an assistant before? How does it differ from your position as a recreational therapist now? And how do you work through your compassion burnout? Thanks!! :)
Hi Meagen, I'm a 20 year old currently studying Recreational sciences with Psychology, I am in my second year and I'm looking into doing my masters in Recreational Therapy after I get my degree. I'm studying in South Africa so I have a lot of questions regarding this because I want to know if my degree will be accepted overseas and I would like to find out more about internship after my studies aswell as the program you mentioned in this video. I really hope to get feedback from you. - Amore Steyn
Do you have to have a bachelors in Recreational Therapy? I have an associates in sport and exercise studies but am very creative and artistic. It would be awesome to enter a career that would allow me to use my degree and also be creative and help others. I do not want to go back to school because I was in school for a long time. Is a bachelors required?
Thank you so much ..a few more doubts.... A diploma in TR will not make u eligible to attend the NCTRC exam , but can I work full time as a recreational therapist and later finish my bachelors and then the exam ?
Yep - there are quite a few jobs out there that you can work with your diploma while you work towards your bachelors. Depending upon where you live they will have different names associated with the jobs available to you.
Can you have a criminal record or a felony to be/ or get hired as a Recreational Therapist? Do you get an extensive backround check, drug test, etc. upon hiring or is it more casual?
Hello Megan, Im really interested in this type of profession, do you know if Boise state university offers a program that will lead to this type of job?
I’m a current special education teacher who has been thinking of a career change for a while now as I LOVE working with children with disabilities but don’t love the role of the teacher with how our school system currently is. Are there any alternative routes of getting that certification with a different degree, or is getting the Bachelors in Rec therapy necessary?
Hello, I'm looking to become a Recreational therapist, but i cannot move that much and there are no universities near to me that have a bachelor in rt. Is there any other path ? :c
Hey Dania - there are quite a few school that offer TR programs through distance education. I would look into distance ed. programs and see if they align with where you want to go :)
You don't need to be CTRS in Canada, we are not regulated. Having it does give a wee bit of leverage to get work, but certainly not required at the moment for TR jobs. All that is needed is a bachelor degree in TR, Gerontology, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, etc.
@@dmc52477 hey do you know the difference between these 3 programmes in Canada: Recreation therapy Therapeutic recreation Recreation and leisure studies
@@annieoommen672 Recreation Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation are the same type of program (the titles are used interchangeably). They are healthcare focused. Recreation and Leisure Studies (without concentrations in Therapeutic Recreation) are more parks and recreation focused.
Hey - it really depends up which state/province you live in. But I would recommend that if you would like to become a recreation therapist that you complete your degree and follow the certification path from NCTRC
I m Psw in Toronto here m struggling to find a college where I can get this course ? I guess only George brown provide this course . Can u plz recommend me any college in Toronto ? Thanks in advance
Thank you so much for this video Meagan it really helped me to make my decision to want become a Rec therapist easier 🥹 because I really want to help people and want to grow to love what I do. And I am in school but I kept on changing my major so I wanted to try to find something that will fit me also has a creative person and also as someone that wants to work with kids or elderly people and I want to help to calm people’s minds and worries.
This field is amazing, I wanna help people and I want them to find peace and mind in doing what calms them down, I wanna work with kids, and also elderly, and also disadvantaged youth and those struggling with addiction
Omg that’s exactly what I want to do in my career too literally everything you said
I want to also, mainly teens who struggle. What colleges offer a good program for this?
Hey Megan, I am a thirteen year old looking into recreational therapy as a job! I enjoy just helping people and making them a stronger person! I want to be able to help them and I’m really considering it! To me helping people brings some so much joy and just seeing them achieve something is just amazing! I’m trying to find a career to go into cause when in high school I want to know what classes to take! In all thank you for this video it gives me such a better understanding of recreational therapy!
Hey Brooklyn! So cool that you are interested in the field of RT. I can say it is definitely a very rewarding job that takes and bright mind and a big heart! Sounds like it would be a good match for you :)
@@MeaganYoung aww thank you for replying to me I appreciate it I want to do! Is there anything in particular that is very important to remember while doing it or what schools would be good to go to, to do this job? And how many years it takes!
Finish school first and see the real world
So informative for someone who is currently looking into RT, thank you!
Thank you!! Let me know if you have follow-up questions :)
This is so good! Thank you for including what it often looks like from an external viewpoint as well. So often my residents would just know me as the bingo lady- then I did a presentation on rec therapy in February and they really understood all the benefits to it and were super encouraging. Thank you!
Love that you took the time to educate others on ALL your do as a Rec Therapist!!
Wow you encouraged me to step out on faith and run my own Therapeutic Recreational program I’ve been in the field for 2 years going on 3 February as an assistant I’ve learned so much over the past two years from the importance of interacting with your residents and staying on top of documentation and actually implement those certain target goals we set with individual residents to carry on throughout their stay . Informative information Meg hopefully I can take my skills to Texas and achieve a successful program !
I’m a Recreation Therapist working in parks and recreation!
very cool - me too!!
I'm a caregiver . Plz how can I apply
I am a Recreational Therapist (graduated in 1986), and need all who watch this to know that there are problems with reimbursement of RT services by Medicaid and Medicare, and ultimately commercial insurances follow suit. What my experience has been is that these positions are few and far between in healthcare due to this factor. I went back to school and obtained an MBA with a minor in Healthcare Management which has opened many more doors for much higher paying jobs that were better suited for me. The best place to look for jobs is in correctional settings and long-term care or assisted living programs. Otherwise, 'Recreation Leaders' without the same level of education will be hired to replace us and get paid a much lower rate! Good luck to all!
Thanks! This was really good to know. I've been wondering about billing and if what I want to do will even be feasible. I know who I want to work with, and was hoping with doctor recommendation, it would just get paid for. Sounds like it's not that easy... thanks Amy.
Amazing video very informative. currently in my last year of university
I had passion for rec therapy a decade ago when unfortunately my grandfather collapsed and currently with dementia (still alive) and I've seen rec therapist at a young age at 10-12 seeing the recreational therapist helping my Grandfather with a thereupectic approach and even letting me shadow and help during the process at a young age to help my grandfather and till this dad I still help my grandfather in term of a recreational aspect in life and I am happy with all the experience I had gathered at a young age with my personal experience which will translate later in my career as an advantage in life hopefully.
Thank you for making this video.
Thank you so much for sharing your RT story. It really is an amazing approach to helping others heal during very difficult life circumstances. Good luck with your last year of school :)
Hi Meagan! Thank you for making this awesome video! I already have my BA in psychology, and I am considering going into the field of recreational therapy. Would I have to go back to school to do my bachelors in recreational therapy? I ask because some programs in other fields will allow you to apply apply for a masters program even though your undergraduate degree may me in a different major. I am a bit lost about this. I would greatly appreciate your help! Thank you!!!
I have the same question, I have my BA in sociology and minor is psychology and am wondering how that would transfer..
Very helpful presentation as I’m trying to help my daughter discover a profession to suit her abilities and character.
Hi Megan, thank you so much for sharing your content with us! I'm a beginner so theis is great imput and great inspiration. 😉😉🌼
Idk why I haven't come across this channel until now! I have so man questions for you! I do love being a CTRS but burnout and imposter syndrome is in full effect.
Ohhh I am so happy to connect - let me know your questions and hopefully I can answer them in some upcoming videos ☺️
Hi I have currently been working as an activity director in long-term care for 13 years. I have looked at this program of study a while back and had some people talk me out of it. I’m currently prenursing and I’m not interested at all in being a nurse. This video has encourage me to pursue a degree in something I’m passionate about. I I am currently looking at schools that offer this program.
Thank you for this helpful video! and hello fellow RT's of the future!!
Of course!! And a happy hello to a future CTRS ☺️
Love your content..keep up the excellent work...you inspired me to create my own TH-cam channel!
Thanks Lucus!! I just subscribed to your channel ☺️
Hi I am studying Bachelors in Recreation and leisure studies doing my second year. I am interested in becoming a Recreational Therapist. I am very good with kids meaning I'll be focusing on this group. I am still lost on how to become a Recreational therapist please help
Is this classified as Health care or Counseling? What's the difference between RT & Art Therapist?
i was wondering what bachelor degree should i take getting into this field?
Hi Meagan, great video! It was very helpful as I’m considering being an RT. Though i have a concern. I tend to be a kind of shy/reserved person who opens up over time. Is this something that could be helped through going to school? Or should I major in something else? I plan to go into an OTA program after Uni as well. Thank you in advance :)
Last semester for my Rec Therapy degree :D
wahhooo! congrats :)
super helpful video, thank you :)
thanks monica!! glad it was helpful
Very informative video, thanks so much!
Btw, Is that a Canadian accent that I’m occasionally hearing? I was born in NB, moved to the US as a kid, but now live in Alberta 😊
I am mildly interested because I have a nursing background but I quit nursing school because I was frustrated with myself and I did not pick my school well, however I still want to be in healthcare in the future perhaps. I am well set in a government job and I feel the pull to go back to healthcare. So I am looking into many other modalities. I would want to get into addiction and mental in CTRS. Is there any suggestions you can make concerning choosing a major.
Does it is better to do recreation therapy after completing PT?
In the field of RT , foes it have any scope to apply physio techniques in patients?
I'm a 28 year old male and thinking of studying this is it realistic that I'll find a job in this field.
Can you become a Recreational Therapist with an Exercise Science degree that you know of? I am getting mixed messages from google. The college I am committed to does not offer a recreational therapy bachelors program but I was planning on majoring in exercise science to pursue physical therapy until recreational therapy caught my attention and is so much more appealing!
Your video was super helpful! I’m in college now and I’m a health science major. My college doesn’t offer a bachelors in recreational therapy :( would I still be able to find jobs with my degree in health science for rec therapy?
Hello : ) I'm currently looking into becoming a recreational therapist ! I have a degree in 2D Studios, and I'm wondering if there are ways to incorporate art into the day to day of recreational therapy.
Yes there are! Im a CTRS and if you have the skills, you can actually reach out to your local skilled nursing facilities and other places to offer a specific type of art class to clients (After Covid19).
Yes! I was training to be an Art Therapist but I have since switched to RT because there are more job opportunities. Plus RT's do a lot of arts and crafts so that's awesome
@@cbeautynblue19 hey do you know the difference between these 3 programmes:
Recreation therapy
Therapeutic recreation
Recreation and leisure services
Hey Allison! Yes - RT's definitely can and do incorporate different forms of art into their practice. There are so great books and other resources out there for you to dive in and learn more :)
I have a degree in Graphic Communications Design, but I've realised recently that I don't want to do this as a career. Doing another degree isn't feasible for me, do you have any recommendations for someone who can't do a degree on how to enter the field?
Soon-to-be high school graduate here. Do you NEED to major in therapeutic recreation to become a CTRS? Can you major in a related field such as psychology? Not a single college near me offers a degree in therapeutic recreation, and I’d rather not go far out of state.
Hey Meahan, I am 36 years old and done some research online, and what I saw from my end for education it was just high school diploma. and then 3 plus years working in a place that dealt with recreation specialist. So with my age of being 36, I was wondering is it possible too late to do all the education/training? Thanks
I am getting a bachelors degree in psychology in the spring of 2021, can I still become an RT?
I have the exact same question! Glad I’m not the only one!
Yes! I have my BA in psychology and and MS in special ed, I decided to change career paths and am currently enrolled a year long certificate program at one of my local community colleges. After finishing the coursework, I'll be able to sit for the exam and become a CTRS.
@@samanthabradley1627 Hi Samantha! What program are you enrolled in ?
Hi Meagan! Thanks for posting this video! I have a question. What is the typical weekly schedule like for a Recreational Therapist?( Example being Mon-Fri 9 to 5)
OTA here looking into CTRS and unsure where to start seeing is I’ve already done half requirements. Any tips?
Hello! What resources did you use to prepare for the NCTRC exam?
Hey!! I have a study guide I used on my website www.growthroughflow.com
I am a physical therapist and have not heard much of this profession.. still not sure what exactly ya do vs a PT and OT.
I am from Nepal and I have recently completed bachelor in public health and my dissertation is in youth mental health. What can I do to become a recreational therapy?
Hi Meagan thank you for this very informative video! I am looking to switch my major to Therapeutic Recreation, however, I am wondering is this a 40 hour week job? Do you have any work outside of contract hours? I am in Canada and there is a diploma program for therapeutic recreation to become a recreational therapy assistant, have you been an assistant before? How does it differ from your position as a recreational therapist now? And how do you work through your compassion burnout?
Thanks!! :)
I would LOVE to do this but don't have a program near me 😔 Do you know of any hybrid programs?
Hi, I'm just wondering if you have a good work-life balance or if this job requires a lot of work at home as well?
How old were you when you started college and how old are you now
Hi Meagen, I'm a 20 year old currently studying Recreational sciences with Psychology, I am in my second year and I'm looking into doing my masters in Recreational Therapy after I get my degree. I'm studying in South Africa so I have a lot of questions regarding this because I want to know if my degree will be accepted overseas and I would like to find out more about internship after my studies aswell as the program you mentioned in this video. I really hope to get feedback from you. - Amore Steyn
Are these programs/internships available for South Africans ?
Hey Meagan! Are the steps to getting the license the same in Georgia ?
Do you have to have a bachelors in Recreational Therapy? I have an associates in sport and exercise studies but am very creative and artistic. It would be awesome to enter a career that would allow me to use my degree and also be creative and help others. I do not want to go back to school because I was in school for a long time. Is a bachelors required?
Thank you so much ..a few more doubts....
A diploma in TR will not make u eligible to attend the NCTRC exam , but can I work full time as a recreational therapist and later finish my bachelors and then the exam ?
Yep - there are quite a few jobs out there that you can work with your diploma while you work towards your bachelors. Depending upon where you live they will have different names associated with the jobs available to you.
Hi Meagan, do you think that it's possible for someone who is totally blind to be a rec therapist?
Can you have a criminal record or a felony to be/ or get hired as a Recreational Therapist? Do you get an extensive backround check, drug test, etc. upon hiring or is it more casual?
Hello Megan, Im really interested in this type of profession, do you know if Boise state university offers a program that will lead to this type of job?
Hi, do you recommend me a link or book where I am able to study to the test thanks
Mam i wanna pursue this profession in canada ..... Thnks for inspiring me
Do you often take work home with you or work on the weekends?
I’m a current special education teacher who has been thinking of a career change for a while now as I LOVE working with children with disabilities but don’t love the role of the teacher with how our school system currently is. Are there any alternative routes of getting that certification with a different degree, or is getting the Bachelors in Rec therapy necessary?
You should look into becoming an ABA/Instructor therapist! It's more so 1:1 therapy with kids rather than classroom settings
If I have a Bachelors in Kinesiology,would I have to get another Bachelors for RT?
You need specific course work in TR - I would recommend reaching out to NCTRC to see where you are in the process ☺️
Hello, I'm looking to become a Recreational therapist, but i cannot move that much and there are no universities near to me that have a bachelor in rt. Is there any other path ? :c
you can still get jobs with a college diploma in RT!
Hey Dania - there are quite a few school that offer TR programs through distance education. I would look into distance ed. programs and see if they align with where you want to go :)
Mam can we find job in recreation therapy field after having a diploma in it just after 12th.
@ Megan Young are CTR S's in demand in Canada right now?
You don't need to be CTRS in Canada, we are not regulated. Having it does give a wee bit of leverage to get work, but certainly not required at the moment for TR jobs. All that is needed is a bachelor degree in TR, Gerontology, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social Work, etc.
@@dmc52477 hey do you know the difference between these 3 programmes in Canada:
Recreation therapy
Therapeutic recreation
Recreation and leisure studies
@@annieoommen672 Recreation Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation are the same type of program (the titles are used interchangeably). They are healthcare focused. Recreation and Leisure Studies (without concentrations in Therapeutic Recreation) are more parks and recreation focused.
@@erinwilkie7858 Thank you so much for answering❣
What is the main difference between the recreational therapist program and gerontology?
I have my degree in Gerontology but most jobs require RT
Can this be done with a BA in social work?
Mam what jobs can I get if I have just done recreation therapy diploma after my 12th??
Hey - it really depends up which state/province you live in. But I would recommend that if you would like to become a recreation therapist that you complete your degree and follow the certification path from NCTRC
I m Psw in Toronto here m struggling to find a college where I can get this course ? I guess only George brown provide this course . Can u plz recommend me any college in Toronto ? Thanks in advance
Hi! Seneca college offers this program
Can you get a good job based on diploma in recreation therapy?
How is the pay for CTRS?
Depends on which state/province you live in and the organization you work for. I'm in Florida right now and it's decent.
Hi Megan
I completed post graduate certificate in therapeutic recreation. Can I eligible for getting license in this field?
Please response me
Hey hi @sharanpreetkaur5171 can we connect plz I am from India and want to pursue career in recreational therapy.
We want subtitle Arabic please.....
Thank you so much for this video Meagan it really helped me to make my decision to want become a Rec therapist easier 🥹 because I really want to help people and want to grow to love what I do. And I am in school but I kept on changing my major so I wanted to try to find something that will fit me also has a creative person and also as someone that wants to work with kids or elderly people and I want to help to calm people’s minds and worries.