Find answers to commonly asked questions for academic programs.
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 professional providing 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.
Yes, consider sharing this resource found on the NCTRC website under Publications & Forms: NCTRC & the CTRS Credential.
Also, consider playing this video in your class or sharing the link with your students:
Shining Light on NCTRC – Innovations TV Series – Innovations with Ed Begley, Jr. shines light on NCTRC, with focus on therapeutic recreation certification. This educational and informative 6-minute segment has aired on FOX Business Network and CNN.
Please visit the NCTRC YouTube channel to access video tutorials and educational videos pertaining to NCTRC programs and services.
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. Click the link to view or download the infographic.
Also, consider playing this video in your classroom and/or sharing the link:
Organizational Roles within the Therapeutic Recreation Profession
There are many reasons for seeking professional certification. For some it represents the achievement of a career goal while for others it represents a credential necessary to perform their job. Specific objectives of certification often include:
(1) to provide governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations, and the public with a definitive minimum standard of education and experience for recreational therapy professionals; and
(2) to foster broader recognition of recreational therapy professionals as well-educated and experienced, acting in the best interest of the public.
Learn more about professional certification through NCTRC and earn the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential. The CTRS has become the professional standard that exemplifies each professional’s dedication to quality standards and excellence in practice.
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) is an independent credentialing organization that was designed to meet the recognized credentialing standards for certifying agencies. Since inception, the organization has followed the standards of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) and its accreditation branch, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCTRC certification program for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential has been accredited by NCCA since 1993.
NCTRC is committed to the safe and ethical provision of recreational therapy services to all consumers by CTRSs. The CTRS has become the professional standard that exemplifies each professional’s dedication to quality standards and excellence in practice.
Learn more about professional certification through NCTRC – see the details listed in the Path to Professional Certification.
Levels of Professional Certification offered through NCTRC:
For more information on professional certification through NCTRC, please review the requirements found in the NCTRC Certification Standards.
NCTRC WEBINARS & CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Consider inviting NCTRC to present a webinar to your group on the Certification Process, NCTRC Overview of Services, or other topics. Please complete the NCTRC Webinar Request Form found on the NCTRC website and email it back to nctrc@nctrc.org. A Credentialing Specialist will get back to you with NCTRC’s availability.
NCTRC is also available to present at conferences. Complete the Conference Presentation Request Form found on the NCTRC website and email it back to nctrc@nctrc.org. A Credentialing Specialist will get back to you with NCTRC’s availability.
By adding the Recreational Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation (RT/TR) and supportive course titles to your program’s MY NCTRC LOGIN account, it aids in a more efficient and effective Professional Eligibility review process by NCTRC. Together we can support students on their path to NCTRC certification.
We need your help to ensure that past & present RT/TR content coursework and required supportive coursework titles from your college/university are listed on your program’s NCTRC account.
Access your account through the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal and click on RT/TR/Supportive Course Entry to add the courses.
View the Exam Registration Tutorial YouTube Video
This video tutorial from National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) will provide you with details regarding the NCTRC Certification Exam registration process found on your dashboard through the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal. Once the exam registration process is complete you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE network of test centers along with live remote proctoring.
