Overview of RT/TR

Recreational Therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses, disabling conditions, and/or adverse circumstances to promote psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being. Recreational Therapy aims to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate the client’s level of functioning and independence in life activities. (ATRA, 2025)

Recreational therapy improves quality of life and productivity for individuals across the lifespan.

What is the role of a recreational therapist?

Recreational Therapists are skilled healthcare providers who utilize a systematic process, evidence-based interventions, and purposeful activities to help clients achieve well-being. Recreational Therapists work in a variety of clinical and community settings—from schools, to hospitals, to community programs and beyond—and utilize their unique expertise to help clients overcome barriers to well-being and/or participation in meaningful activities. (ATRA, 2025)

What is the value of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential?

The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential offered by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) indicates to employers and the public that the CTRS is a qualified provider of recreational therapy services, having met the specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.

It is documented that CTRSs increase both the effectiveness and efficiency of recreational therapy services in comparison to noncertified individuals, significantly contributing to the expected outcomes of the healthcare delivery system. Federal agencies, national and international regulatory and accreditation organizations recognize the CTRS as the benchmark credential for recreational therapists.

Specialization for CTRSs within professional practice

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) offers Specialization Area Designation as a direct extension of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential for individuals who qualify.

NCTRC awards recognition of advanced knowledge and skill in seven specialized areas of recreational therapy practice. Specialization is well recognized within professional practice and has become the norm within the health and human service delivery system today.

Occupational outlook of recreational therapists

In today’s demanding employment market, professional certification through National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) indicates to employers and the public that the CTRS® has met specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.

Professional certification is valuable – the CTRS credential is globally recognized as an indicator of a qualified provider within the field of therapeutic recreation. Professional certification through NCTRC is available for qualified individuals around the world.

The CTRS has become the professional standard that exemplifies each professional’s dedication to quality standards and excellence in practice. Recent research suggests that nearly 70% of CTRSs are either required or encouraged by their employer to maintain their credential.

For additional details and occupation-specific information, review the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) O*NET Ally listing for Recreational Therapists

Recreation Therapy Licensing and Regulation of Practice Boards

As of 2024, a license is required to practice recreational therapy in the following locations:

New Hampshire
New Jersey
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Utah
Washington, DC
Puerto Rico

Contact the licensing boards for specific requirements and detailed information.

What is NCTRC’s role within the profession of therapeutic recreation?

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) is the premier credentialing organization within the Therapeutic Recreation profession. A qualified recreational therapist is certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) through NCTRC and is often referred to as a Recreational Therapist.

NCTRC was founded to protect the consumer of recreational therapy services and the public at large, resulting in many benefits to the public, the profession, the individual practitioner, and the organization.

The TR profession has benefited significantly from the credentialing activities and research of NCTRC.

The NCTRC Job Analysis provides the profession with accurate research on current job skills and knowledge required for competent practice in the TR profession.
The NCTRC Certification Standards serve as the governing policies and procedures for certification services and credentialing processes within the profession.
NCTRC’s position as an international leader in credentialing has brought the profession into the spotlight of related health and human service providers, funders, and advocacy groups.
NCTRC works in concert with regulatory authorities through adherence to consistent, fair and objective standards and full due process in its certification program. NCTRC complies with regulations related to individuals with disabilities in the implementation of the certification program. In the event a regulatory agency presents NCTRC with data concerning violation of local, state or federal laws or an agency reports gross or repeated negligence in practice, NCTRC institutes a thorough disciplinary process.

Organizational roles within the TR profession

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) has partnered with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE), and Council on Accreditation – Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) to create an overview of the Organizational Roles within the Therapeutic Recreation Profession.