Other Therapy and Assessment Professionals
(NOC 3144)
in All HealthThis group includes specialized therapists not elsewhere classified who use techniques such as athletic, movement, art or recreational therapy to aid in the treatment of mental and physical disabilities or injuries. They are employed by establishments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, extended health care facilities, clinics, recreational centres, nursing homes, industry, educational institutions and sports organizations, or they may work in private practice.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Other Therapy and Assessment Professionals most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 56% of Other Therapy and Assessment Professionals who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $52,130. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$28.50
Median$38.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,003
Minimum$31,255
Median$74,350
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$25.50
Median$41.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes specialized therapists not elsewhere classified who use techniques such as athletic, movement, art or recreational therapy to aid in the treatment of mental and physical disabilities or injuries. They are employed by establishments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, extended health care facilities, clinics, recreational centres, nursing homes, industry, educational institutions and sports organizations, or they may work in private practice.
Job duties
Therapists and other professionals in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assess patients and review reports from physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, counsellors, teachers and other professionals to determine patients' current and potential functioning level.
- Prepare individualized and group treatment plans either independently or through a multidisciplinary team approach, based on health concerns and on recommendations from physicians or other health professionals.
- Design specialized therapy programs to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement, musculoskeletal functioning and performance in sports, work and recreation.
- Implement treatment plans by carrying out specialized therapy sessions employing approaches and techniques such as art, drama and music therapy or dance, recreational, sports or other movement therapy.
- Observe, record observations, and analyze patients during treatment sessions, write progress reports on patient outcomes and consult with other health professionals to evaluate treatment plans.
- May provide education to clients regarding health promotion and injury prevention, management and treatment.
- May conduct research in respective field of specialization.
Sample job titles
- art therapist
- certified athletic therapist (CAT)
- exercise physiologist
- kinesiologist
- movement therapist
- music therapist
- recreational therapist
- registered dance therapist (DTR)
- remedial gymnast
- remedial therapist
Skills
To work in recreational therapy, you must have a genuine and sensitive interest in people and their ability to achieve. You must be able to communicate effectively with people and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, patience, and self-discipline. Therapists must be creative and unique in their approach to each client. The ability to inspire confidence and to motivate clients is important. A strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, and communication skills are also necessary.
Job requirements
- Kinesiologists usually require a master's degree in kinesiology or human kinetics.
- Certification for kinesiologists is available through the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.
- Sport therapists require a bachelor's degree in sport therapy, or a degree in health sciences with a specialization in sports injury management.
- Art therapists require a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in art therapy.
- Music therapists require a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in music therapy.
- Dance therapists require a bachelor's degree in psychology, and usually require a master's degree in art, drama or movement therapy.
- Recreational therapists usually require a bachelor's degree in recreation with a specialization in therapeutic recreation.
- Certification or membership with the appropriate national professional association or provincial counterpart may be required.
Other considerations
Those not employed with public institutions or agencies are often self-employed in a private or group practice. There is a distinct training path for each of these professions and no movement between these jobs. Supervised practical training is usually required for jobs in this group. Creative or technical ability in the field of specialization is usually required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Information, Culture & Recreation
Other Services
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
15-24
45-54
35-44
65+
55-64
Compared to: All Health
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$66,428 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
N/ADoctorate
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$36,693 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$57,186 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$83,000 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,119 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$87,808 median annual incomeEducation & training
Human services - General
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. These programs include courses in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Kinesiology and exercise science
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. These programs include courses in biomechanics, motor behaviour, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Music therapy/therapist
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals, in association with a rehabilitation team or in private practice, to use music in therapeutic relationships to address patients? physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. These programs include courses in music theory and performance, human growth and development, biomedical sciences, abnormal psychology, disabling conditions, patient assessment and diagnosis, treatment plan development and implementation, clinical evaluation, record-keeping, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Parks, recreation and leisure studies
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Sport and fitness administration/management
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply business, coaching and physical education principles to the organization, administration and management of athletic programs and teams, fitness/rehabilitation facilities and health clubs, sport recreation services, and related services. These programs include courses in program planning and development; business and financial management principles; sales, marketing and recruitment; event promotion, scheduling and management; facilities management; public relations; legal aspects of sports; and applicable health and safety standards.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.