How to Become A Diversional Therapist

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.

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.

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.

• 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