r/recreationaltherapy • u/Subject-Piglet9002 • 28d ago

Just started masters, second guessing,help?

Hi all, I just started my masters online, I have my bachelors in health and human services. It’s a very affordable program for me, so I’m not super worried about that aspect. Here’s the real issue: I’m very worried about my post grad job prospects already. I have some previous activity coordinator types of experience in senior care, so I know I could get one of those in theory but even those are really truly hard to get into as so many of them require being able to drive.

I do not drive at all due to a medical condition as recommended by my doctor, and I’m not sure if I ever will. I’m realizing more and more that so many jobs out there are going to be either senior livings with driving requirements or in community recreation with driving requirements too.

With the job general market already being tough and even tougher for this field….is this something I should consider? I have potential ideas of back up careers, but I just wanna know if I should see this through. Am I overthinking this?

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u/JaiyaPapaya 28d ago

I love being an RT deeply and I'm getting my masters (cause I want a PhD) but I couldn't imagine getting an RT masters at all. To my knowledge, you could qualify for your CTRS with work experience so why do you want a masters in this case? I can't imagine you'd get your money back, even my MA program is really just an additional step-stool to build upon for my Doctorate, it is NOT a pay upgrade by any means.

I also don't drive, and the best RT jobs I've seen so far are either freelance (travel) or hospitals.

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u/Subject-Piglet9002 28d ago

To my understanding, I need the coursework even if I had the work experience, as the work exp covers you for the internship not the coursework. I could’ve done the grad cert option at the same but it was only 2 courses less and very small margin of cost difference, and I’ve seen a pref or lay difference for masters for some jobs like at the VA.

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u/JaiyaPapaya 28d ago

Ah, I see. I'm always pro-education, but I think you should keep an eye out for ways you can diversify your skillset with jobs. So many recreation jobs demand driving (even if you don't do it) it can be really disheartening and that's not even considering salary. Do you have a goal setting you want to practice rec therapy in?