Discover Your Dream Job: Exciting Recreation Therapy Positions in Minnesota
Kind Reader, are you searching for fulfilling and rewarding recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota? Look no further! Minnesota is home to a diverse range of healthcare facilities, universities, and community organizations that specialize in providing therapeutic recreation services to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and mental health concerns. From coordinating engaging activities to evaluating the progress of patients, recreation therapists in Minnesota play a critical role in promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Read on to discover how you can join this dynamic and growing field of recreation therapy jobs MN!
What is Recreation Therapy?
Recreation therapy is a profession that involves using recreational activities and leisure experiences to promote and enhance the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of people with disabilities or illnesses. The ultimate goal of recreation therapy is to help individuals improve their quality of life, reduce stress, and strengthen personal relationships. These activities can include games, sports, arts and crafts, music, dance, drama, and nature-based activities.
The Benefits of Recreation Therapy for Patients and Caregivers
Recreation therapy can have numerous benefits for patients and caregivers, including:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Enhanced mood and self-esteem
- Increased socialization and community engagement
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved coping skills and resilience
- Enhanced quality of life
- Providing a break from routine for caregivers
Recreation Therapy Jobs in Minnesota (MN)
Minnesota is a great state for recreation therapy professionals, with many opportunities available in a variety of settings. Here are some examples of recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota:
| No | Job Title | Employer | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recreation Therapist | Mayo Clinic | Rochester, MN | The recreation therapist will be responsible for conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing therapeutic activities for patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities or illnesses. |
| 2 | Activity Coordinator | Volunteers of America National Services | Maplewood, MN | The activity coordinator will be responsible for planning and implementing recreational programs for residents of a senior living community. This can include social events, outings, exercise programs, and other activities. |
| 3 | Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | St. Croix Hospice | Oakdale, MN | The therapeutic recreation specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing recreational programs for hospice patients and their families. This can include sensory activities, music therapy, pet therapy, and other interventions. |
Education and Training Requirements
To become a recreation therapist in Minnesota, you typically need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field. In addition, you will need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass the certification exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for recreation therapists in Minnesota is around $56,000, with some professionals earning upwards of $75,000 per year. The job outlook for recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota is positive, with an expected growth rate of around 7% over the next decade.
The Job Market for Recreation Therapy in MN
Minnesota has a robust job market for those seeking employment in the field of recreational therapy. Typically, recruiters and hiring managers look for candidates with valid certifications, degrees, and relevant experience. Therefore, job seekers must sharpen their skills and remain adequately informed about the industry changes and trends to stay competitive.
The Average Salary for Recreational Therapists in MN
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for recreational therapists in Minnesota is around $57,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on factors such as education, experience, and employer size. As with many occupations, locations, specifically, the city, can also affect salaries. It is important to note that these figures are estimates and may not accurately reflect actual salaries for every individual in the field.
The Top Employers for Recreational Therapists in MN
Some of the top employers looking for recreational therapists in Minnesota include Hennepin Healthcare System, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Regions Hospital. Private clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers also hire recreational therapists. Job seekers can increase their chances of landing their dream job by researching and applying to these organizations.
| No | Important Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Recreation therapy jobs can be found in Minnesota |
| 2 | Recreation therapy involves using activities to improve patients’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being |
| 3 | These jobs may require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in recreation therapy or a related field |
| 4 | Often, recreation therapy jobs are found in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities |
| 5 | Some common job titles in recreation therapy include Recreation Therapist, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), and Director of Recreation Therapy |
| 6 | Salary ranges for recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota vary, but the average salary is around $52,000 per year |
| 7 | Job outlook for recreation therapy is positive, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019-2029 |
Recreation Therapy Job Opportunities in Minnesota
If you are interested in pursuing a career in recreation therapy, then Minnesota is a great state to start your job search! With a population of over 5 million people, Minnesota offers various job opportunities in the healthcare sector, including recreation therapy. In this section, we will discuss the different job opportunities available in Minnesota for recreation therapy professionals.
Hospital Jobs
Recreation therapy jobs are widely available in hospitals across the state of Minnesota. Hospital recreation therapists provide services to patients who are dealing with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Some of the common hospital facilities hiring recreation therapy professionals in Minnesota are:
- Mayo Clinic Hospital – Located in Rochester, MN, this hospital is ranked as the top hospital in Minnesota by the US News and World Report.
- St. Cloud Hospital – This hospital in St. Cloud, MN, is the largest healthcare facility in central Minnesota and offers various recreation therapy job opportunities.
- Regions Hospital – Located in St. Paul, MN, Regions is a Level 1 Trauma Center, which provides comprehensive care to patients.
Long-term Care Facilities
Recreation therapy jobs in long-term care facilities cater to the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities who require daily assistance. These facilities generally include assisted living, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Some of the long-term care facilities hiring recreation therapy professionals in Minnesota are:
- Gracewood Senior Living – Located in Champlin, MN, this facility provides memory care services for senior citizens.
- Johanna Shores – This facility in Arden Hills, MN, offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.
- St. Camillus – Located in Silver Bay, MN, this facility provides rehabilitation services to patients with serious injuries.
Recreation Therapy Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota is a great state for individuals looking for recreation therapy jobs. The state has a good healthcare system that supports the employment of recreation therapists. The following are essential things you should know about getting recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota.
Job Opportunities in Minnesota
Recreation therapy jobs are available across Minnesota. Some of the popular employers in the state for recreation therapy jobs include- Allina Health, Mayo Clinic, and Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Typically, job opportunities are available in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Some of the common roles include- recreational therapist, recreation specialist, certified therapeutic recreation specialist, and director of therapeutic recreation.
Expected Salary of Recreation Therapists in Minnesota
The average salary of recreation therapists in Minnesota varies depending on factors such as experience, location, type of employer, and job duties. Entry-level recreation therapists earn an average salary of $18.92 per hour while experienced professionals can make up to $36.62 per hour. This means an entry-level recreation therapist in Minnesota can make up to $39,000 per year while an experienced professional can earn up to $76,000 per year.
Requirements for Recreation Therapy Jobs in Minnesota
For employment as a recreation therapist in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field.
- Certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
- Licensure by the State of Minnesota as a recreation therapist or occupational therapist.
- One-year of experience under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or licensed occupational therapist.
Training Programs in Minnesota
Several colleges and universities in Minnesota offer recreation therapy programs. The most popular ones include- St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and Winona State University. These programs offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The bachelor’s degree program takes 4 years while the master’s degree program takes 2 years to complete.
Job Outlook in Minnesota
Recreation therapy has continued to experience a rise in demand in Minnesota. Employment for recreation therapists is projected to grow by 7.0% in the next ten years. With this demand gap, recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota will continue to offer employment opportunities to new graduates and practitioners.
Resources for Recreation Therapy Jobs in Minnesota
If you are in need of a recreation therapy job in Minnesota, you may find the following resources helpful:
- Therapy Jobs-Network: This website focuses on open therapy positions and allows job seekers to apply directly.
- Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA): This association offers job opportunities for recreation therapists across Minnesota.
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA): ATRA offers a job board with updated opportunities from around the country including Minnesota.
Salary of Recreation Therapy Jobs MN
A career in recreation therapy is not just fulfilling, it also pays well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Recreational Therapists have an average annual wage of $51,930 in the United States, but what is the specific average salary for recreation therapy jobs in MN?
The Average Salary for Recreation Therapy Jobs MN
The average annual salary for recreation therapy jobs in MN is $48,830. The range typically runs from $35,920 to $67,970, with the top 10 percent making over $80,000 a year.
Factors that Affect the Salary of Recreation Therapy Jobs in MN
The salary of a recreation therapist in MN can vary depending on the location, level of education, and level of experience. For instance, recreation therapists practicing in Minneapolis and Saint Paul typically earn higher median annual wages compared to those in other areas of the state. A master’s degree and higher level of experience can also lead to higher salaries.
| No. | Factors affecting salary of recreation therapy jobs in MN |
|---|---|
| 1 | Location of the job |
| 2 | Level of education |
| 3 | Level of experience |
Salary for Recreation Therapy Jobs in Minnesota
If you are considering a career in recreation therapy in Minnesota, you might want to know how much money you can expect to make. The salary for recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota varies depending on a variety of factors such as location, experience, education, and type of employer. In general, recreation therapists in Minnesota can earn a decent living, with the average annual salary hovering around $53,000 (ZipRecruiter).
Salary by Location
The salary for recreation therapy jobs in Minnesota can differ depending on the city or region. According to Salary.com, the highest paying city for recreation therapists in Minnesota is Rochester, where the average annual salary is $53,130. The Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) pay slightly lower, at an average of $49,708 per year, while entry-level recreation therapists in Duluth earn an average of $41,960 per year.
Salary Based on Experience
Experience is a key factor that contributes to a recreation therapist’s salary. According to PayScale, recreation therapists with less than one year of experience in Minnesota can expect to earn an average of $39,000 per year. With one to four years of experience, recreation therapists can earn an average of $43,000 per year. Those with 5-9 years of experience can earn an average of $52,000 per year, while recreation therapists with 10-19 years of experience can earn an average of $61,000 per year. Highly experienced recreation therapists (20 years or more) can earn an average of $68,000 per year.
| No | Experience | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 1 year | $39,000 |
| 2 | 1-4 years | $43,000 |
| 3 | 5-9 years | $52,000 |
| 4 | 10-19 years | $61,000 |
| 5 | 20+ years | $68,000 |
Requirements for Recreation Therapy Jobs in Minnesota
Recreation therapists in Minnesota need to meet some minimum requirements to practice their profession. Firstly, they need to have a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, or Leisure Studies. However, a master’s degree in any of these fields is preferred by most employers and increases the job prospect of the candidate in the field.
Licensure
All the recreational therapists in Minnesota need to be licensed to practice in the state. The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (MBMP) is responsible for issuing licenses to recreational therapists in the state.
Certification
While certification is compulsory in some states, it is not compulsory in Minnesota. However, not having a certification may limit the job prospects of a candidate as most employers prefer certified therapists.
Job Prospects and Salary Outlook in Minnesota
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the employment of recreational therapists to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029, faster than the average of all other occupations.
Job Prospects
In Minnesota, recreation therapy is a growing field, which means there are ample employment opportunities in the field. Recreational therapists can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, schools, and community centers. It is estimated that the employment of recreational therapists will grow by 8.6% in Minnesota by 2026.
Salary Outlook
The median annual wage for recreational therapists in Minnesota was $53,800 in 2020, which is higher than the median income of recreational therapists in most other states. The top 10% of recreational therapists in the state earned more than $76,200 per year.
| No | Recreation Therapy Job | Median Annual Salary (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rehabilitation Centre Recreation Therapist | $59,440 |
| 2 | Government Agency Recreation Therapist | $65,650 |
| 3 | General Hospital Recreation Therapist | $66,910 |
| 4 | Nursing Home Recreation Therapist | $44,370 |
Recreation Therapy Jobs MN: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Recreation Therapy?
Recreation Therapy is a type of therapy that uses activities, such as sports and games, to help people with disabilities or illnesses improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
2. What education and certification do I need to become a Recreation Therapist in MN?
You need a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or a related field and you must be certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
3. Are there any job opportunities for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota?
Yes, there are many job opportunities for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota. You can work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community centers, among other settings.
4. What is the average salary for a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
The average salary for a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota is around $56,000 per year.
5. What skills do I need to be a successful Recreation Therapist?
You need to have strong communication skills, be able to work well with others, be creative, and have a passion for helping people with disabilities or illnesses improve their well-being.
6. Are there any volunteer opportunities in MN for aspiring Recreation Therapists?
Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities for aspiring Recreation Therapists in Minnesota. You can volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, and community centers.
7. How do I find job openings for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota?
You can search for job openings on job search websites such as Indeed and Monster, or check with local hospitals and community centers.
8. What are the benefits of being a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
The benefits of being a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota include helping people with disabilities or illnesses improve their well-being, a good salary, and the opportunity to work in a variety of settings.
9. What is the job outlook for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota?
The job outlook for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota is good. The demand for Recreation Therapists is expected to increase in the coming years.
10. How do I prepare for a job interview for a Recreation Therapist position in Minnesota?
To prepare for a job interview for a Recreation Therapist position in Minnesota, research the organization you are interviewing with and practice answering common interview questions.
11. What are some common interview questions for a Recreation Therapist position?
Common interview questions for a Recreation Therapist position include questions about your experience, your approach to therapy, and your communication skills.
12. What are the hours like for a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
The hours for a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota can vary depending on the organization you work for. Some Recreation Therapists work regular 9-5 hours, while others work evenings and weekends.
13. What are some challenges of being a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
Some challenges of being a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota include working with patients who have serious illnesses or disabilities, dealing with difficult patient behaviors, and working in a fast-paced environment.
14. What are the rewards of being a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
The rewards of being a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota include helping people improve their well-being, seeing patients make progress, and working in a rewarding and fulfilling career.
15. What kind of patients or clients will I work with as a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
You will work with a wide range of patients or clients as a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota, including those with physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and developmental disabilities.
16. Do I need any special training or certification to work with certain patient populations?
It may be helpful to have specialized training or certification to work with certain patient populations, such as dementia patients or children with autism.
17. Can I work as a part-time Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
Yes, there are part-time Recreation Therapist positions available in Minnesota.
18. What are the job responsibilities of a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
The job responsibilities of a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota include assessing patients’ needs, developing treatment plans, leading therapeutic activities, and keeping accurate records of patient progress.
19. How important is communication in the role of a Recreation Therapist?
Communication is very important in the role of a Recreation Therapist. You need to be able to communicate well with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
20. How does working as a Recreation Therapist differ from working as a Occupational Therapist?
Recreation Therapists focus on using activities to improve patients’ well-being, while Occupational Therapists focus on improving patients’ ability to perform daily activities.
21. What is the difference between a Recreation Therapist and a Recreational Therapist?
There is no difference – “Recreation Therapist†and “Recreational Therapist†are often used interchangeably.
22. How can I stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research in Recreation Therapy?
You can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research in Recreation Therapy by attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses.
23. What are some ethical considerations for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota?
Some ethical considerations for Recreation Therapists in Minnesota include maintaining patient confidentiality, being aware of your own biases, and providing quality care to all patients.
24. How long does it usually take to get certified as a Recreation Therapist through the NCTRC?
The certification process for Recreation Therapists through the NCTRC usually takes around 6-9 months.
25. What are some tips for staying motivated and avoiding burnout as a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota?
Some tips for staying motivated and avoiding burnout as a Recreation Therapist in Minnesota include self-care, seeking support from colleagues and mentors, and finding a healthy work-life balance.
Learn about the jobs available in recreation therapy in MN and find out how to start a career in this field.
Farewell for Now, Kind Reader
I hope you found this article on recreation therapy jobs in MN useful and informative. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, Minnesota is a great place to start. With a variety of job opportunities and a growing need for recreational therapy services, you’re sure to find a job that suits your skills and interests. Thanks for reading and come back soon for more insights on different career prospects!
