Where do Recreation Therapists work?

Recreation Therapists work in a variety of clinical areas of specialization providing both direct or indirect patient care within the province of Alberta. 

 Recreation therapists are employed in direct client service in the following areas - 

• Children and Youth: services provided to clients from birth to age seventeen.
• Developmental Disabilities: services to individuals with mental or physical impairments originating prior to the age of 18 and lasting throughout their lifespan.
• General Physical Health: services provided to clients with a variety of general physical health issues.
• Geriatric: services provided to elderly clients.
• Mental Health & Addictions: services provided to clients with a variety of mental health and addiction challenges.
• Rehabilitation - Cardiovascular and Respiratory: services provided to clients with a variety of cardiovascular and / or respiratory health issues.
• Rehabilitation - Digestive/Metabolic/ Endocrine: service provided to clients with e.g., diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, etc.
• Rehabilitation - Musculoskeletal: services provided to clients with a variety of musculoskeletal health issues.
• Rehabilitation - Neurological: services provided to clients with a variety of neurological health issues, e.g., brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke.
• Palliative Care: services provided to clients with the aim of relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for persons who are living with or dying from advanced illness or who are bereaved.

As a recreation therapist gains skills and experience, they may choose a career with indirect client service in these areas -

• Administration/Manager: primary focus of activities is on management of services, or the development of policy and/or programs.
• Client Caseload Management: primary focus of activities is the management of client services across the health care continuum, specifically the coordination of multiple services as required for client care.
• Professional Practice Lead: a leadership role that provides professional practice expertise and promotes practice excellence.
• Education: focus of activities is directed at providing post-secondary teaching to individuals registered in formal education programs.
• Research: focus of activities is in knowledge development and dissemination of research.