Information for Academic Programs

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) is the premier credentialing organization within the profession of Therapeutic Recreation. NCTRC manages the certification program and follows established certification standards to ensure qualified practitioners of recreational therapy services.

NCTRC Credentialing Specialists are here to help you navigate the:

  • NCTRC Certification Standards,
  • the professional certification process through NCTRC,
  • the NCTRC Certification Exam,
  • the NCTRC Research Grant Program,
  • and other NCTRC programs, services, and resources related to the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential.

NCCA ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION

NCTRC’s certification program has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) since 1993. Academic programs can rely on NCTRC to follow established standards for certification within the therapeutic recreation profession. The NCTRC Certification Standards serve as the governing policies and procedures for certification services and credentialing processes within the profession.

Take a moment to review the important information for academic programs below.

ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS - PRIMARY ACCOUNT INFORMATION

NCTRC values academic institutions and the RT/TR program’s roles to ensure that students have guidance and support to address the educational and academic internship competencies related to recreational therapy and the NCTRC Certification Standards and requirements.

Please take a moment to review this section and complete any necessary tasks which will enhance the connection between your academic program and NCTRC. Learn more about:

INFORMATION FOR EDUCATORS

Your role as a teacher, advisor and/or mentor is so important for individuals as they pursue a path to NCTRC certification to become a CTRS®. NCTRC encourages you to educate and inform students on the importance of NCTRC Certification. In this section, NCTRC provides information on:

  • Path to Professional Certification Overview
  • Professional Eligibility Overview
  • Preparing RT/TR Students for the NCTRC Exam

Individuals wishing to become certified through NCTRC and earn the CTRS credential must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.

The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential offered through and issued by NCTRC is the benchmark credential within the profession of therapeutic recreation for the practice of recreational therapy in North America. Professional certification through NCTRC is available for qualified individuals around the world. The CTRS credential is globally recognized as an indicator of a qualified professional providing recreational therapy services.