|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|Career Programs Index| |Academic Advising| |Class Schedule| |Real-time Seat Availability| |
|
|
Criminal Background Checks—In order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students may be asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs Subdivision Office, B-150, and fees paid to the Bursar’s Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, please contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Deadline dates for completion of criminal background checks will be announced by Program Coordinators. Nature of Work—Recreation therapists work with individuals who have mental, physical or emotional disabilities. Select activity modalities are utilized to treat or maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of consumers served. These interventions help individuals remediate the effects of illness or disability and achieve an optimal level of personal independence. The goals of interventions include improving physical, cognitive and social functioning. Recreation therapists work as members of an interdisciplinary team. Relevant information about the patient is gathered from client assessment medical records, medical staff and family members. Individual treatment plans and programs are developed consistent with client need, abilities, and interests. Related Job Title—Rehabilitation counselors, therapeutic recreation specialist, recreation and fitness workers, program specialist, activity director, program coordinator, director of activity services, therapeutic recreation supervisor, recreation therapist outreach coordinator, leisure education coordinator. Employment Setting—Recreation therapists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled care nursing facilities, psychiatric units, residential facilities, YMCAs, alcohol and drug treatment centers, adult day care centers, nursing homes, park and recreation departments, special recreation associations, special education programs, and home health care. Individuals served in these settings may need short-term intervention, long-term residential or community-based services. Employment Outlook—Employment of recreation therapists is expected to grow because of anticipated expansion of long-term care, physical and psychiatric rehabilitation, and services for the disabled. Fast employment growth is expected in assisted living, outpatient physical and psychiatric rehabilitation, and services for people with disabilities. Hospitals will provide a large number of recreation therapy jobs, with additional jobs provided by long-term rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals. Healthcare facilities will provide a growing number of jobs in hospital-based adult day care and outpatient programs and in units offering short-term mental health and alcohol or drug abuse services. The rapid growing number of older persons is expected to spur job growth for activity directors in nursing homes, retirement communities, adult day care programs and social service agencies. Continued growth is expected in community residential facilities, park districts and day care programs for people with disabilities. The average annual salary of recreation therapists was $31,670 in 2002. Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics. For job listings and job placement assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737. |
|
Moraine Valley Community College's Recreation Therapy Program is for students interested in working with individuals with special needs. Students in this program gain hands-on experience and will be able to:
