How to Pass the NCTRC Test and Become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) 2023

In order to address the evaluated requirements of people with illnesses and/or debilitating conditions and promote their psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being, a systematic procedure known as recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation is used.

It takes about two years to complete this training to become a recreational therapist. In addition to psychology and physiology classes, students can expect to take anatomy courses. Additionally frequently featured are dance, music, and other fine arts. Sports and coaching fitness classes are also frequently offered as electives in this kind of program.

A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and fitness is often required for recreational therapists. Programs in recreational therapy involve lessons in psychology, human anatomy, and physiology. The majority of bachelor’s degree programs include an internship.

Although entry-level positions for recreational therapists are available with an associate’s degree, most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.

To enhance the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

As of January 26, 2023, the average recreational therapist salary in the United States is $60,852.

Only a few jurisdictions have laws requiring certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) in order to become a therapeutic recreation (TR) specialist. A bachelor’s degree or extensive work experience in recreational therapy are prerequisites for taking the exam (RT). The abilities and credentials required to succeed in this field are possessed by certified therapeutic recreation experts (CTRS). A master’s degree is another option, as is specializing in a particular branch of recreational therapy.

NCTRC awards the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential following the completion of the required educational and professional requirements.

According to a Career Explorer research on job satisfaction, recreational therapists rank in the top 37% of all professions with an average job happiness rating of 3.4 out of 5.

Graduates with a therapeutic recreation (TR) degree work in institutions like hospitals, senior living communities, prisons, schools, and community centers that cater to the needs of people with developmental, emotional, mental health, and psychiatric problems.

The use of recreation and other activity-based interventions to meet the assessed needs of people with illnesses and/or disabling conditions is known as recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation. It is a systematic process that promotes psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.

Offering recreational programs intended to enhance or sustain patients’ and consumers’ physical, emotional, mental, and social functioning is the profession of therapeutic recreation.

• Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
• Certified Activity Professionals/Activity Director.
• Supervisor of Recreation Therapy Practice.
• Assistant or Worker in Recreation Therapy.
• Entrepreneur in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Employee/Workplace Wellness Coordinator.

Recreational therapy can be a very effective kind of therapy for people who are struggling with their physical, emotional, or mental health. Recreational therapy can aid in skill restoration, mood improvement, quality of life improvement, and social connection strengthening.

Hospitals, nursing homes, government parks and recreation agencies, as well as other contexts, employ recreational therapists. Most people have full-time jobs.