Therapeutic Recreation Certification and Certificate Program Info

Although certification is not necessary to become a recreational therapist, those who plan to work in clinical environments may be required to pursue it through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

View 24 Popular Schools »

Certification

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many employers prefer to hire individuals with the NCTRC's Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation (www.bls.gov). Three primary educational paths exist to acquiring the CTRS credential. All of them require the completion of at least a bachelor's degree program in addition to professional experience (www.nctrc.org).

Academic Pathway

Candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, but without at least five years of full-time paid employment in the field or a year of supervised work experience, are required to undergo a 12-week internship. Once the internship is completed, candidates may then qualify to sit for the examination.

First Equivalency Pathway

This pathway requires candidates to hold at least a bachelor's degree in any field and to have completed courses related to recreational therapy. They are also required to accumulate at least five years of full-time paid employment in the field before sitting for the test.

Second Equivalency Pathway

Candidates in this pathway have acquired at least a bachelor's degree and have completed coursework related to recreational therapy. They are required to complete a year of supervised, full-time paid employment in the field.

The Examination

The NCRTC examination comprises 90 questions, which candidates have 86 minutes to complete. It is designed to test candidates' competency on a range of subjects considered critical to professional practice. It is divided into four content areas:

  • Foundational knowledge
  • Recreational therapy practice
  • Recreation therapy organization
  • Professional advancement

Certificate Programs

For aspiring therapists who aren't planning on practicing in clinical settings and therefore are not required to attain a bachelor's degree, many therapeutic recreation certificate programs are available. Students trained in these programs may apply their skills in environments such as nursing homes, day care centers and rehabilitation facilities. Certificate programs may require students to take courses on topics such as aging, therapeutic recreation programming and psychology.

Show me popular schools

Related to Therapeutic Recreation Certification

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Certification Information

The NCTRC certifies individuals to call themselves certified therapeutic recreation specialists. The certification...

Recreation Therapist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

Recreation therapists assist patients in leisure activities to engage and improve their minds, bodies and spirits....

Recreation Therapy: Job Information for Recent Graduates Pursuing a Career As a Recreation Therapist

For anyone who wants to take part in recreational activities and get paid for doing it, a position as a Recreation...

Adaptive Recreation Makes Sports Accessible

You're probably familiar with inspiring athletes who have competed in the Paralympic Games, the ultimate athletic...

Top Schools for Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Programs

24 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics