How to become a diversional therapist
Run leisure programs in health and aged care settings to give others a higher quality of life.
Begin your diversional therapy career
Earn your qualification in health and leisure. Many employers will accept a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health. However, if you’d like to broaden your career opportunities, consider a Bachelor of Health Science or a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in leisure and health or therapeutic recreation.
Get a National Police Certificate, first-aid certificate and Working with Children Check. You may also need to have a current driver’s license. If you plan to work in a clinical setting, you will need to provide up-to-date immunisation records.
Join Diversional and Recreation Therapy Australia to share your journey with other therapists and access professional development resources.
Specialise with further study in an area like aged care or dementia care.
What does a diversional therapist do?
Diversional therapists coordinate lifestyle activities for people of all ages, though they most commonly work in the aged care and health sectors. They develop fun, creative programs that meet their clients’ individual wants and needs, with the goal of improving their overall wellness.
Duties and tasks
Diversional therapists generally:
Plan and run leisure programs, which could include anything from general outings to art therapy sessions
Help individuals identify what they want and need from a lifestyle program so they can be supported and encouraged
Document and report on an individual’s outcomes after they have participated in leisure activities
Evaluate the success of leisure programs and adjust accordingly
Observe clients for health concerns and report changes to relevant staff
Assist with training and supervising volunteers and staff
Industry bodies
Diversional therapy jobs
You will find diversional therapy jobs listed on SEEK, LinkedIn, Ethical Jobs, Diversional and Recreational Therapy Australia, government job boards and aged care job boards. Other related roles you could consider with your qualifications include:
Activities coordinator
Activities officer
Lifestyle coordinator
Recreation activities officer
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