Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation
Help children heal, grow and thrive through recreation.
At Nationwide Children's Hospital, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) partner with children, teens, young adults and their families to improve health, independence and quality of life through recreation and leisure.
As part of an interdisciplinary care team, you'll use evidence-based therapeutic recreation interventions to support each patient's physical, social, cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Every day, you'll help patients build skills, confidence and independence through meaningful recreation experiences.
What You Need To Know
About Our Therapeutic Recreation Team
At Nationwide Children's Hospital, our Therapeutic Recreation team partners with departments and programs across the organization to help children, teens and young adults participate more fully in recreation, leisure and everyday life.
Our Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists design individualized, evidence-based interventions that support physical, emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing. Through meaningful recreation experiences, we help patients build skills, confidence and independence while supporting recovery, adjustment and long-term quality of life.
Areas of Focus
Our team helps patients develop skills related to:
- Adaptive recreation
- Adjustment to disability
- Cognitive functioning
- Community re-entry and community resource education
- Developmental leisure
- Exercise, physical activity and fitness
- Healthy lifestyle and wellness
- Leisure exploration and participation
- Non-pharmacological pain management
- Social participation and communication
- Stress management and coping
Specialized Services
Therapeutic Recreation Specialists also provide specialized evaluation and intervention services, including:
- Adaptive bike evaluations
- Adaptive gaming evaluations
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Diabetes exercise and healthy lifestyle education
You'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across a variety of clinical programs, supporting patients through many stages of care and recovery.
Where You'll Practice
As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Nationwide Children's, you'll have opportunities to work across a variety of clinical settings while collaborating with physicians, nurses, therapists and other specialists to help children reach their goals.
Behavioral Health
Support children and adolescents as they develop coping skills, build resilience and strengthen social connections through therapeutic recreation.
Acute Care
Help normalize the hospital experience by engaging patients in meaningful recreation activities that promote wellbeing during hospitalization.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Partner with children and families throughout rehabilitation to build confidence, restore independence and prepare for a successful return to everyday activities.
Outpatient Programs
Provide ongoing therapeutic recreation services that help patients develop skills, participate in community activities and improve overall quality of life.
Why Therapeutic Recreation at Nationwide Children's
Join more than 20 Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists who work across one of the nation's leading pediatric health systems. You'll have opportunities to collaborate with experts from many disciplines while building a rewarding career serving children and families.
Professional Growth
We're committed to helping you continue learning throughout your career. You'll have opportunities to:
- Receive mentorship from experienced clinicians.
- Participate in professional development opportunities.
- Access annual continuing education funding and dedicated education hours.
- Use free internal education resources and our medical library.
- Participate in our Evidence-Based Practice Program to strengthen clinical knowledge and improve patient care.
Specialty Practice Areas
Our Therapeutic Recreation Specialists provide care across a variety of clinical settings, including:
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
- Acute Care
- Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Outpatient Programs
You'll also have opportunities to develop specialized skills in areas such as:
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Adaptive biking
- Adaptive gaming
Career Advancement
As your career grows, you'll have opportunities to:
- Pursue advanced certifications.
- Apply for our Advanced Clinician Positions Program (ACPP).
- Participate in leadership and committee opportunities.
- Contribute to evidence-based practice initiatives.
Benefits and Support
We know that supporting our team helps us provide the best care for patients and families. Depending on your position and eligibility, benefits include:
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- Tuition assistance
- Paid time off
- Flexible scheduling options
- Wellness resources
- Employee assistance programs
You'll also be part of one of the nation's leading pediatric hospitals, recognized nationally for clinical excellence and as a great place to work.
Students and Interns
Learn alongside experienced Therapeutic Recreation Specialists.
Our Therapeutic Recreation team is committed to preparing the next generation of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists through meaningful clinical education experiences.
As a student, you'll have opportunities to:
- Learn from more than 20 Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists.
- Receive mentorship from experienced clinicians.
- Access evidence-based practice resources and free internal education.
- Gain experience across Behavioral Health, Acute Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation and Outpatient programs.
- Explore specialty practice areas, including animal-assisted therapy, adaptive biking and adaptive gaming.
- Learn about career opportunities at Nationwide Children's after graduation.
Employee Testimonials
Clinical Therapies Evidence Based Practice Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation and Behavioral Health Recreational Therapist, Clinical Therapies Behavioral Health Pavilion Recreational Therapist, Clinical Therapies Behavioral Health
I support clinical therapists by helping them achieve outcomes related to learning, program development, knowledge sharing and knowledge translation. I provide resources and guidance tailored to each team member’s goals, which empowers them to advance their practice and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Valerie Lazzara Mould
Recreational therapy plays a vital role in behavioral health because it helps patients build real‑life skills through meaningful, hands‑on experiences. It’s inspiring to watch someone discover strength, calm or connection through moments that feel simple but truly matter.
Brooke Peters
We have one of the most incredible therapeutic recreation teams in the U.S. I continuously have opportunities to explore different perspectives from the other recreational therapists on my team, which helps me enhance my quality of care and improve patient outcomes.
Allie Altman
