Patient Recreation Specialist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Patient Recreation Specialist

Best Schools to become a Patient Recreation Specialist in U.S. 2024

Adler University

Chicago, IL

In-State Tuition:$16,740
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,740
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:1,841

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

In-State Tuition:$20,173
Out-of-State Tuition:$34,679
Admission Rate:80%
Graduation Rate:78%
Total Enrollment:33,196

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

In-State Tuition:$7,585
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,404
Admission Rate:74%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:10,274

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

In-State Tuition:$4,452
Out-of-State Tuition:$20,729
Admission Rate:92%
Graduation Rate:65%
Total Enrollment:27,151

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY

In-State Tuition:$6,930
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,880
Admission Rate:55%
Graduation Rate:54%
Total Enrollment:13,015

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC

In-State Tuition:$4,443
Out-of-State Tuition:$19,063
Admission Rate:69%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:17,843
Patient Recreation Specialist Job Description:
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions.
  • Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts.
  • May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Patient Recreation Specialist

Job Duties for Patient Recreation Specialists

  • Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.

  • Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.

  • Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.

Technologies and Skills Used by Patient Recreation Specialists

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Music or sound editing software

  • Avid Technology Sibelius
  • Steinberg Cubase Pro

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Looking for ways to help people

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Patient Recreation Specialist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Patient Recreation Specialist

FAQs About Becoming a Patient Recreation Specialist