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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
July/August 2025
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) is the largest international organization dedicated to the protection of the consumer of recreational therapy services through the certification of qualified practitioners. NCTRC e-News contains announcements and other important information.
Featured News
Coming Soon—New NCTRC Website!
NCTRC is looking forward to launching a new and improved website in the near future. We will be releasing additional details as we get closer to the launch date. Stay tuned!
NCTRC Board of Directors Conducts Spring Meeting
In June 2025, the NCTRC Board of Directors held its Spring meeting in Halifax, NS. NCTRC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of ten individuals. The Board has seven elected CTRS members and three appointed members (Consumer Representative, Employer Representative and International Representative). The Executive Committee serves as the administrative decision-making body when the full Board is not in session. Members of the Executive Committee are the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary. Please visit nctrc.org to see the list of individuals serving on the 2025-2026 NCTRC Board of Directors.
NCTRC Research Grant Program: Application Submissions Due October 15, 2025
The next Research Grant Application submission deadline is October 15 at 11:59 PM ET, with funding awarded in December. NCTRC Research Grant Applications will be reviewed by the NCTRC Research Committee and applicants will be notified of the decision via email.
Go to nctrc.org to download and review the NCTRC Research Grant Application.
NCTRC is proud to offer this program which seeks to open new doors for current recreational therapy professionals as well as those pursuing careers in the field.
NCTRC Pre-Approved Continuing Education
NCTRC wants to support CTRSs, recreational therapists, activity professionals, and practitioners from a variety of professions in their search for continuing education opportunities that align with the current NCTRC Job Analysis.
NCTRC has been asked to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
- Root in Nature Inc.
Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture & Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Explore ways to engage in professional training and education to assure continuing competence in the practice of recreational therapy.
Professional development and lifelong learning through continuing education allows individuals to upgrade skills and knowledge, stand out in competitive workplaces, expand their professional network, and foster career growth.
- Go to the CEUs page of the NCTRC website to discover the professional benefits & use of NCTRC pre-approved continuing education.
- Learn how to use CEUs for the CTRS recertification process.
- Enhance your professional portfolio by earning NCTRC digital badges, including CTRS Specialization Area Designation and NCTRC approved micro-credentials. Earn these badges through NCTRC.
Use Badges to Enhance your Professional Profile!
Get recognized by your employer, colleagues, clients, and recruiters - claim and use your digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials!
Professionals across various fields can learn in confidence knowing that NCTRC has pre-approved continuing education session content that is transformed into verifiable digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials.
NCTRC issues digital badges to earners who have completed the required continuing education from providers including:
- ATRA
- Inspired Memory Care, Inc.
- Root in Nature
- Wellness Recreation 360, Inc.
- National Center for Montessori and Aging
Browse the collection of badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials and take the steps to enhance your professional portfolio today! Check back regularly as more are added to the collection throughout the year.
Have you already completed the required course/training for one or more of the NCTRC approved micro-credentials? Claim your personalized badge through NCTRC today! Log into your NCTRC account through the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal to access the badge application.
Featured Resources
CTRS Promotional & Other Resources
In today’s demanding employment market, NCTRC certification signifies that the CTRS is a qualified professional providing recreational therapy services, with the skills, ability and knowledge recognized as essential for recreational therapy practice. Go to nctrc.org to access these materials which can be downloaded and printed in PDF format.
NCTRC YouTube Videos
NCTRC offers a variety of educational and informational videos on the NCTRC YouTube channel, including:
- Annual Maintenance Application Process
- Recertification tutorial
- NCTRC Certification Exam Registration Process
- Digital Badge video tutorials
- NCTRC Research Grant videos
- NCTRC Scholarship and Hardship Fee Waiver tutorials
Go further with an NCTRC Scholarship.
An NCTRC Scholarship recognizes the achievements of those who seek to advance their knowledge and professional competency to improve the quality of recreational therapy services.
Recertify and Reinvest in Yourself.
NCTRC knows how hard you worked to obtain the CTRS credential. Continue your professional journey by renewing your CTRS certification.
If you require additional information or have questions, please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org.
Thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!
