NCTRC e-News

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981

A Message from the NCTRC Chair

Melissa Davis, LRT/CTRS, NCTRC Board of Directors

My name is Melissa Davis, and I am the current Chair of the NCTRC Board of Directors. I am grateful to be associated with such a great organization like NCTRC to serve you, the certificants. I have been practicing as a Recreation Therapist for six years, starting in parks and recreation, mental health, and currently working with wounded, ill and injured service members.

My story starts at Winston-Salem State University, as a student under Dr. Cynthia Stanley, LRT/CTRS, Dr. JoAnn Coco-Ripp, LRT/CTRS, and other recreation professionals. During my first introductory class, we watched “Recreation Therapy at the National Institutes of Health” and from there, I fell in love with Recreation Therapy. I was determined to commit to the profession and to become active with service organizations like NCTRC. I became credentialed because I recognized the importance of recreational therapy and of providing high quality care to our consumers. I was first introduced to NCTRC by my mentor, who held a position on the NCTRC Board of Directors at that time. I am proud to represent the minority population of Recreation Therapists by becoming the youngest and first African American Chair of NCTRC. I hope to inspire diverse professionals to become more involved in the field of recreational therapy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a world changing experience for everyone personally and professionally. My thoughts are with those directly affected by COVID-19 and with those that continuously support our consumers; your diligence and tenacity have not gone unnoticed! NCTRC and the Board of Directors voted to make necessary changes to standard policies for students, applicants, and certificants, and information related to NCTRC’s COVID-19 response is located under the News link on the NCTRC homepage.

Two years ago, NCTRC launched two corporate social responsibility initiatives: The NCTRC Scholarship and the Hardship Fee Waiver programs, to provide financial support to applicants and certificants. While the scholarship program is based on academic merit, the Hardship Fee Waiver Program is especially relevant to those hoping to earn or maintain their credential during financially challenging times. If you are experiencing extenuating circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact the NCTRC office.

The mission and vision of NCTRC continues to reflect its primary role of protecting the consumer by credentialing qualified recreational therapists. While the physical office is currently closed, all NCTRC staff are working remotely to maintain a safe environment that enables them to support applicants and certificants as they, too, navigate these challenging times. The executive director, credentialing specialists and office staff continue to work hard to identify solutions and have remained resilient! I am impressed by the dedication and passion exhibited by each employee.

Social media marketing continues to be an important initiative to reach certificants, students, employers and consumers. One of our NCTRC Credentialing Specialists is trained in social media marketing and content strategies to optimize NCTRC’s social media presence. NCTRC can use Facebook to provide certificants with the most current information to reinforce what is accessible via email and on the website. Please remember to keep your contact information up to date to receive current information related to standard changes, continuing education opportunities and NCTRC news. Even though in-person conferences have been cancelled, connect virtually and meet someone new!

Certificants can vote in the fall for candidates to become part of the 2021 Board of Directors. I urge you all to participate in the election process and voice your opinion. The Board of Directors is a vital part of NCTRC and makes decisions which inform standard changes. Do your part to let your voice be heard! If you’d like to become more involved with NCTRC and run for a Board position, please email the office.

Lastly, I would like to thank you all for electing me to the NCTRC Board of Directors. Participation with the Board has been an enriching experience. I have met amazing colleagues and hope to be a great representation of you, the certificants. I want to thank you for your continuing dedication to the field of recreational therapy and support of the CTRS® credential.

Melissa Davis, M.A., LRT/CTRS
Chair, NCTRC Board of Directors

NCTRC Recertification Deadline

If your five-year expiration date is September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2020, you should begin reviewing the rules and standards governing NCTRC Recertification. A complete copy of the NCTRC Recertification Standards can be viewed at the NCTRC website. Please submit your recertification application and fee via MY NCTRC Login no later than September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2020. Please be aware that the Recertification review process can take from 4–6 weeks for NCTRC to complete. If you are required to be certified for your employment, submit your application prior to the deadline.

Important NCTRC Recertification reminders:

• Please do not submit Continuing Education documents with your application. If your application is randomly selected for audit, you will be sent an email requesting that you submit your original, official documents to NCTRC via MY NCTRC Login.
• A verification form is required if your 480-hour TR work requirement has been met with either part-time or volunteer work.
• All continuing education hours must be related to one of the NCTRC Job Analysis Knowledge Codes (FKW – Foundational Knowledge, ASP – Assessment Process, DOC – Documentation, IMP – Implementation, ADM – Administration of TR/RT Service, ADV – Advancement of the Profession) and need to total 50 hours completed over the five-year period.

Thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!