CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

The Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The CTRS is a professional certification for individuals who use recreational therapy to improve the health and well-being of persons with illnesses or disabilities. It signifies that a therapeutic recreation specialist has met specific educational and experiential criteria and has passed a national certification examination.

Completion Time: 3 hours

Costs

• Exam: $350

• Application: $100

• Rescheduling exam: $25

Exam Format

The examination is conducted at a Pearson VUE testing center. It is a computer-based test consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions (17% of questions are unscored).

The exam covers a range of topics including assessment, program planning, intervention strategies, and professional ethics in therapeutic recreation.

After finishing the exam, you will receive a report indicating pass or fail.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in therapeutic recreation, or a degree in a related field with a concentration in therapeutic recreation.

• Completion of specific coursework in therapeutic recreation and related areas, as outlined by the NCTRC.

• Completion of a supervised therapeutic recreation internship, or equivalent work experience in line with NCTRC standards.

• Passing the NCTRC certification examination.

Certification Process

• Complete a degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field with the required coursework.

• Complete a supervised internship in therapeutic recreation.

• Apply for the CTRS certification through NCTRC.

• Register for and successfully pass the NCTRC certification examination.

CTRS certification must be renewed every five years. To recertify, you must complete at least 480 hours of therapeutic recreation professional experience and 50 hours of continuing education related to the NCTRC Job Analysis within the five-year period.

You may renew your certification by retaking the CTRS exam if you do not meet the experience or education requirements.

There is also an annual maintenance fee of $85 required to keep your credential active.

Continuing education for CTRS certified professionals may include advancements in therapeutic recreation techniques, emerging research in the field, disability and illness-specific interventions, and updates in healthcare policy and practice.

For specific information regarding Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification, including detailed application processes, examination content, and guidelines for maintaining certification, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). NCTRC provides comprehensive resources, standards, and guidelines for professionals in the field of therapeutic recreation.

Career Opportunities

CTRS certified professionals work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and community-based programs.

They plan and implement therapeutic recreation services to enhance the quality of life and functional abilities of individuals with a range of illnesses and disabilities.

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