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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
May/June 2026
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
NCTRC Celebrates CTRSs For Years of Service!
NCTRC is proud to send anniversary pins to recognize CTRSs with 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of service. The CTRS® anniversary pin serves as an acknowledgement of an individual’s long-standing professional commitment to maintaining NCTRC certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS). NCTRC mailed the anniversary pins in April and May. Please watch your mailbox and wear your pin with pride.
In today’s employment settings where professional credentials and training are the benchmarks of quality, the CTRS and Specialization Area Designations through NCTRC exemplify the profession’s dedication to industry standards and professional excellence. Show appreciation to the recreational therapists in your community - pass along a thank you message by sharing this video from NCTRC.
Share this YouTube Video: Thank you, CTRSs!
UPCOMING! Live Zoom Event: Connect with NCTRC
Do you have Professional Eligibility status and are preparing to take the NCTRC Certification Exam?
NCTRC is hosting an upcoming Connect with NCTRC live Zoom event for individuals preparing to take the NCTRC Certification Exam on the path to become a CTRS.
Join NCTRC Credentialing Specialists to review key resources and information related to the NCTRC Certification Exam, including exam preparation tools, registration and scheduling processes.
NCTRC will be emailing an invitation to individuals who are ‘Exam Qualified’. We encourage you to attend.
- The upcoming Connect with NCTRC live Zoom event will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1:00p.m. EST!
- Watch your email for a link to register for this event. The session will last no more than 60 minutes and will not be recorded.
We look forward to connecting with you. Remember, if you have questions about your personal profile or certification cycle, please contact NCTRC by email or phone.
Congratulations Class Of 2026 – Next Steps After Graduation
Congratulations to the class of 2026! Take the next step on your professional journey - follow the path to professional certification through the NCTRC.
Individuals wishing to become certified through NCTRC and earn the CTRS credential must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.
NCTRC Funded Research Projects
The NCTRC Research Committee is pleased to announce the three research projects that were funded in Spring 2026:
- Enhancing Stability and Connection: A Manualized Recreational Therapy Balance Program for Older Adults with Parkinson's and Movement Disorders in Oklahoma Small Cities. Researcher: Jungyu Lee, Oklahoma State University.
- Exploring Older Adult Practitioners with NCTRC Certification to Develop Recreational Therapy Practice Guidelines. Researcher: Kaitlin Mueller and Betsy Kemeny, Slippery Rock University.
- Examining the Impact of Pet Therapy on a Walking Group in First Episode Psychosis: A Feasibility Study. Researcher: Sean Dellaire, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
These research projects were either fully or partially funded by NCTRC. The NCTRC Research Grant Program seeks to open new doors for current RT practitioners as well as those pursuing careers in the field. Click here to access the list of NCTRC funded research projects and read final reports from various projects.
UPCOMING FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: The next Research Grant Application 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.
Announcing New Digital Badges!
We are excited to announce the addition of new digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials to the collection! Access the full list here.
NCTRC issues digital badges for micro-credentials from CE Providers, so if you have earned a badge, claim your badge through NCTRC. If you have completed the course/training for one or more NCTRC approved micro-credentials, apply to NCTRC to be issued the associated digital badge. Follow the instructions online – click here.
Use digital badges to showcase your skills, validate your competency, and broadcast your achievements!
Reminder To Claim and Use Your CTRS Digital Badge
If you are a CTRS who has not yet claimed your digital badge, please email nctrc@nctrc.org – NCTRC wants to help you claim your badge. We encourage all CTRSs to use and display your CTRS digital badge on social media and in your email signature to get the recognition you deserve.
As a reminder, individuals who hold Professional Eligibility, the CTRS credential, and Specialization Area Designation can claim the associated digital badge for FREE.
Plus, we welcome individuals who have earned a badge associated with an NCTRC approved micro-credential to complete the issuance process so that you can start showcasing your badges and get recognized! Click here to learn more.
NCTRC Pre-Approved Continuing Education & Professional Development Information
NCTRC wants to support CTRSs, recreational therapists, activity professionals, and practitioners from a variety of professions in their search for continuing education opportunities that support their professional growth.
NCTRC has been asked to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
- Clarity Child Guidance Center: Claritycon2026: Children's Mental Health Conference
- Healthy Solutions: Grounded in Joy: Laughter Yoga for Enduring Well-Being and Professional Education
- Root in Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation Course (Therapeutic Horticulture Ally digital badge available from NCTRC upon completion)
Explore ways to engage in professional training and education to assure continuing competence in the practice of recreational therapy. Learn how to use CEUs for the CTRS recertification process, apply for Specialization Area Designation during your recertification period, and earn digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials. Check out professional development and digital badge information online at nctrc.org.
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. Plus, consider applying for Specialization Area Designation during your recertification period and get recognized for your advanced knowledge and skill in a specialized area of practice. Keep your CTRS credential active – click the link to get started.
NCTRC YouTube Videos & Tutorials
Find a variety of educational and information videos pertaining to NCTRC programs and services.
Resources on the NCTRC Website
NCTRC provides a wide range of professional programs and services to ensure both the value of the CTRS credential and protection of the consumer. Please visit nctrc.org to view the most up-to-date documents and information.
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!
