Education · 1 of 4

The path

You can start at 16. Getting to coordinator takes a few years and usually a degree.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 10 to 12

   Start working the seasonal jobs now: camp counselor, pool attendant, rec aide, youth sports official. Experience is the currency in this field.

2. 2

   Get the basic certifications

   Days

   CPR and first aid at a minimum, lifeguarding if you want pool hours. Short courses, often paid for by the employer.

3. 3

   Associate or bachelor's degree

   2 to 4 years

   Recreation management, parks and recreation, kinesiology, or a general degree with recreation experience. Most coordinator postings ask for a bachelor's.

4. 4

   Full-time program role

   1 to 3 years

   Program leader or specialist first, then coordinator once you have run things and supervised part-time staff.

5. 5

   Optional credential

   After a degree plus experience

   The CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) is not required anywhere, but some public employers list it as preferred and a few pay extra for it.