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How to Become A Diversional Therapist

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What is a Diversional Therapist

A Diversional Therapist creates and runs leisure programs that improve the lives of their clients. They work in aged care, hospitals, and local health settings, matching activities to each person’s interests and needs. It is a career where every day brings variety and real impact.

The job involves checking client needs, planning activities, running programs, and keeping records of progress. Activities can include art, music, exercise, games, or outings. Whatever helps each person stay active and connected is the focus. Therapists also work closely with other health workers as part of a wider care team.

You will also handle some admin tasks, such as updating records and managing activities staff. Strong people skills, creativity, and care for others are the core traits of a great Diversional Therapist.

The average yearly salary for a Diversional Therapist in Australia is around $75,000 (Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Job demand is rated Strong, so the career outlook is bright for those just starting out.

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Career Outlook for Diversional Therapist

Diversional Therapy is a career with a strong outlook. Around 6,700 Diversional Therapists work across Australia (Your Career, 2025). New South Wales is the top employer, at 38% of the total (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). About 60% work full-time, at an average of 40 hours per week.

Future demand is rated Strong by the Australian government, driven by an ageing population (Your Career, 2025). Full-time pay sits at around $1,434 per week, or around $75,000 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Many skilled therapists will retire in coming years, opening new roles. This is a stable, meaningful career for those who enjoy working closely with people every day.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Diversional Therapist

Step 1: Earn your First Aid certificate

Complete a Provide First Aid course (HLTAID011) with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This short course takes one day. It gives you the skills to respond to emergencies at work. Most employers in aged care and health settings require it before you start.

Step 2: Complete your background checks

Before working with clients, complete a National Police Check and a Working with Vulnerable People check. Your state may call this a Working with Children Check instead. These checks protect the people you will work with. Allow one to four weeks for processing.

Step 3: Complete the Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (CHC43415)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (CHC43415) at a TAFE or RTO. This qualification takes 12 to 18 months part-time and covers activity planning, client assessment, and wellbeing support. It includes a supervised work placement to build real-world skills. This is the entry-level qualification for most Diversional Therapist roles in Australia.

Step 4: Consider a degree for full professional membership

To gain full membership with the Australian Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA), you need an approved bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Health Science (Recreational Therapy) is one approved pathway. A degree takes around three years full-time. It deepens your clinical knowledge and opens doors to senior and specialist roles.

Step 5: Meet employer immunisation requirements

Aged care and health employers may require specific vaccinations before you start work. Check the immunisation requirements with your employer early in your job search. Common requirements include flu, COVID-19, and hepatitis B vaccines. Keep a record of your vaccinations to share with employers as needed.

Step 6: Build experience and join your professional association

Gain hands-on experience through work placements or volunteering in aged care or community health settings. Apply for ARTA membership to access professional development, networking, and industry updates. Members must complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. Staying active in the field keeps your practice current and your career growing.

What does a Diversional Therapist do?

A Diversional Therapist spends their days planning and running activities that help clients feel active, connected, and well. They check each person’s interests and skills, then build activity plans around those. Duties include running sessions, keeping records, updating care plans, and helping team members. It is a hands-on role that blends creativity with care.

Tasks

Diversional Therapists help their clients live fuller, more connected lives through leisure and recreation. They work in aged care, hospitals, and community health settings. Their work is both creative and caring, mixing planning, running programs, and supporting the people in their care.

  • Planning and running leisure activity programs — Therapists design activities that match each client’s interests and abilities.
  • Assessing client interests, needs, and strengths — They review each person’s preferences to build personalised activity plans.
  • Assisting with hiring, training, and supervision of staff — In larger teams, therapists help recruit and coach support staff.
  • Keeping records of activity programs and community resources — Detailed notes track participation and resource availability.
  • Encouraging clients to take part in activities — Therapists support and motivate clients to get involved in programs they enjoy.
  • Sharing information on available activities and programs — They keep clients and families informed about what is on offer.

Skills for Success

To do well as a Diversional Therapist, you need great people skills and a genuine care for others. You will connect with clients every day, so empathy and patience are a must. Creative thinking helps you design activities that are both fun and beneficial for each person.

Good organisational skills keep programs running smoothly and records up to date. You will also use digital tools for scheduling and reporting, so basic IT skills are helpful. A commitment to learning and growing in your practice will set you up for a long, rewarding career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Creativity in designing and adapting activities
  • Ability to work as part of a healthcare team
  • Problem-solving and flexibility
  • Knowledge of health and wellbeing principles
  • Record keeping and documentation
  • Understanding of individual client needs and preferences
  • Ability to assess and adapt programs
  • Leadership and supervision of support staff
  • First Aid certification
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practice
  • Digital literacy for scheduling and reporting

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Diversional Therapist in Australia is around $75,000. This is based on full-time pay data (Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Pay goes up with experience and the type of role.

min $60 K

max $95 K

av $75 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.