Activities Therapists plan and direct specialized treatment programs to help individuals with physical, mental, or social handicaps become as self- reliant and independent as possible. Following specific treatment aims prescribed by a physician, Activities Therapists assist individuals in improving previously acquired skills and interests, as well as developing new ones, which will help in the rehabilitation process and also provide enjoyment.  

JOB DUTIES 

Activities Therapists may:

Confer with a patient's physician and read medical records to determine the nature of the patient's illness  

Determine the goals and objectives to be met in the rehabilitation program based on the patient's needs, capabilities, and interests  

Plan the rehabilitation program and instruct the patient in the performance of specific activities  

Prepare reports describing patients' reactions and symptoms  

Revise activities programs based on observation and evaluation of patient's progress  

Submit reports for evaluation to the physician & other rehabilitation team members, including other therapists & psychologists  

Participate in case conferences  

Maintain patient therapy records in compliance with internal and external regulations  

Distribute and maintain supplies and equipment  

Direct the work of therapy assistants  

Educate the general public on the benefits of Activity Therapy  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Activities Therapists may specialize in these areas:

076.127-010 ART THERAPISTS plan and direct activities which help patients use art as a means of nonverbal expression and communication. They are concerned with determining what the art work produced reflects about the patients' personality development, personality traits, and the subconscious, as well as ensuring the patients' enjoyment of art.  

076.127-014 MUSIC THERAPISTS plan and participate in instrumental and vocal music activities designed to meet patients' needs. Typical activities involve nonverbal communication using instruments, music as a means of self expression or music composition.  

076.124-014 RECREATIONAL THERAPISTS, also known as Therapeutic Recreational Therapists, direct and organize activities such as adapted sports (sports that have been modified to meet the needs of the handicapped), dramatics, social activities, and arts and crafts.  

076.124-010 MANUAL-ARTS THERAPISTS use mechanical, technical, and industrial activities to assist patients in maintaining, improving, or developing work skills. They develop a program of actual or simulated work situations which include activities in woodworking, photography, metalworking, agriculture, electronics, printing, and graphic arts.  

076.124-018 HORTICULTURAL THERAPISTS plan, coordinate, and conduct therapeutic gardening programs to facilitate rehabilitation of physically and mentally handicapped patients.  

076.127-018 DANCE THERAPISTS plan, organize, and lead individual and group dance and body movement activities to improve patient mental outlook and physical well-being.  

Some Activities Therapists teach or conduct research or work as consultants providing therapy on a contract basis.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Activities Therapists usually work as part of a treatment team along with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other specialists. They may supervise and be assisted by student trainees and therapy aides. They work in a wide variety of settings; however, most work indoors in clean, comfortable, well ventilated and lighted areas. Horticultural Therapists may spend some time directing activities in outdoor gardens.  

Activities Therapists generally work a 40-hour, 5-day week, although the hours may vary with the employment setting. They may attend and participate in professional conferences and workshops in order to enhance their efficiency and knowledge in their field. They may work weekends and/or evenings in some locations.  

Activities Therapists may join a variety of professional associations, including the National Coalition of Art Therapy Associations, the American Association for Music Therapy, the American Dance Therapy Association, and the American Horticultural Association. Members must pay periodic dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving helping people  

• Having a genuine interest in the welfare of other people  

• Activities involving communication of ideas to others  

• Activities of an abstract and creative nature  

You Should Be Able To:

• Plan, direct, or control an activity or the activities of others  

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often  

• Work effectively with others  

• Influence people in their judgements about ideas or things  

• Make decisions using personal judgment or measurable standards  

• Reason logically  

• Communicate well, both orally and in writing  

• Work patiently with people in a tactful and considerate manner  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a given patient has a goal to walk in 100 days and his or her goal was set on March 16, what is the deadline date to the goal?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most severe forms of arthritis, affecting 5 to 8 million Americans.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining to a physician the progress of the patient.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to convince a patient to work towards a recovery even though he has no will to do so.  

Although Activities Therapists do not need to be registered for employment in Michigan, a few states do regulate their practice. Those who meet specified education and experience requirements can qualify for registration by the professional association representing their area of specialization. Requirements for registration generally include either a bachelor's or master's degree in the area of specialization and from 6 months to 1 year of experience, either through an internship or actual employment. For more information on specific requirements, contact the associations listed under SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

l0 ART , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

002 ACTIVITIES THERAPY

Programs in Activities Therapy provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills used to plan and direct therapeutic projects designed to help rehabilitate individuals with physical, mental, or social handicaps.  

There are a number of specializations within Activities Therapy including Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Manual Arts Therapy, Horticultural Therapy, and Dance Therapy. Generally, the subject matter of these specializations is taught within the following MOIS Postsecondary Programs: Art (see #14); Music (see #113); Recreation and Park Management (see #152); Physical Education (see #134); Horticulture (see #79); Dance (see #39); and Vocational Education (see #177).  

222 GERONTOLOGY

Instructional programs in Gerontology describe the study of the human aging process and aged human populations, using the knowledge and Methodologies of the Social Sciences, Psychology and the Biological and Health sciences.  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs    

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some experience may be gained through summer, part-time, or full-time work as a therapy aide in hospitals, clinics, and other places where Activities Therapists are employed. Also internships as part of post secondary programs in activities therapy may be available.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Activities Therapist employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Activities Therapist employer  

community service work with an agency  

The most common method of entry is through direct application to employers. Assistance in locating a position may be obtained from college placement offices and professional associations. Openings may also be located in newspaper want ads and professional journals. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

In addition you should enter your electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings in this occupation depend on the Therapist's education and experience; professional registration; and the type, size, and location of the employer.  

Nationally, Recreational Therapists employed in hospitals averaged $29,500 per year (early 1998), with most earning from $26,700 to $33,400. Directors of Recreational Therapy in hospitals earned average annual salaries ranging from $37,000 to $43,600 (early 1998).  

Federal government Activities Therapists started at $20,588 or $25,501 a year, depending on their college records. Experienced Therapists in supervisory or administrative positions earned up to $40,555 or more per year (1999). The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.  

In Michigan, Activities Therapists employed by state and local governments earned (1999):  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

About 37,700 Recreational Therapists were employed nationally in 1996. In addition, an undetermined number of therapists in other specializations were employed. Employment of Recreational Therapists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. About 26.2% of Recreational Therapists were self-employed. The industry distribution for Recreational Therapists looked like this:  

As rehabilitation programs for handicappers, the elderly and other special populations grow, many positions for activities therapists are likely to be created. However, this favorable outlook depends on the maintenance or increase of present levels of funding from the government for such programs.  

There are about 700 Recreational Therapists employed in Michigan. In addition, there were an undetermined number of therapists in other specializations.  

Employment of Recreational Therapists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 20 annual openings is expected, with 10 due to growth and 10 due to replacement of Therapists who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as Activities Therapists change jobs or occupations.  

The rise in the demand will be due mainly to the growing awareness of the need for specialized rehabilitative services for the physically and mentally disabled as well as to the increasing acceptance of the various types of activity therapy as alternate forms of health care. Employment opportunities will probably be severely restricted if governmental spending on programs for handicappers is reduced. Opportunities will be best for graduates of accredited therapy programs.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Activities Therapist can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development