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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
Welcome to NCTRC e-News
NCTRC Conducts Annual Board Meeting
The NCTRC Board of Directors held its spring meeting via Zoom on May 31 and June 3.
Three new elected members were welcomed to the NCTRC Board of Directors for the 2022-2025 term:
- Alicia Gonzales, CTRS (AZ)
- Christopher Richard, CTRS (Ontario)
- Caronda Trigg, CTRS (MS)
An International Representative has also been appointed to the Board of Directors and will be serving a three-year term (2022-2025):
- Andrea Waters, CTRS (Nova Scotia)
A new Executive Committee for the term of 2022-2023 was elected:
- Shaun Geise, CTRS (IN) Chairperson
- Sandy E. Heath, PhD(c), CTRS (TX) Vice Chairperson
- Christopher Richard, CTRS (Ontario) Treasurer
- Andrea Waters, CTRS, International Rep. (Nova Scotia) Secretary
In addition, the following individuals were appointed to NCTRC standing committees for the term of 2022-2025:
- Shelley Smith, CTRS (Nova Scotia) Standards Review Committee
- Jane Crawford, CTRS (Alberta) Standards Hearing Committee
- Ann Dolloff, CTRS (PA) Exam Management Committee
NCTRC to Implement New Job Analysis and Exam Content Outline – Effective January 1, 2023
NCTRC completed a new Job Analysis Study in 2021. The purpose of the job analysis study was to identify the tasks and knowledge that are important for competent performance by entry-level certificants. The findings of the job analysis study serve as the basis of the NCTRC Certification Exam and inform the CTRS® about content areas for continuing education.
The 2021 Job Analysis Report will be available shortly and the revised NCTRC Exam Content Outline can be found here. The minor changes in professional practice that occur over time are noted in the 2021 Exam Content Outline and can be found within the category titles or how the information is bundled, not in the actual content itself.
The implementation date of the 2021 Job Analysis Study and revised Exam Content Outline will be January 1, 2023. Per recommendations of NCTRC’s exam development company and in alignment with best practices, beginning with the January 1, 2023 exam administration, the NCTRC exam will contain 120 items with a combination of both 3 and 4 option multiple choice questions.
NCTRC Exam Reminder
NCTRC offers the exam via PSI Testing Centers or Live Remote Proctoring. For more information on exam administration, please visit the NCTRC website.
NCTRC Webinar
Recently, NCTRC held a webinar for new CTRSs. If you just became certified with NCTRC and want information on the annual maintenance and recertification processes, please view the New CTRS Tutorial. This webinar was recorded and can be accessed on the NCTRC website under Webinars.
NCTRC Financial Assistance Programs
NCTRC Scholarship Program is used to recognize the achievement of applicants and certificants in advancing their clinical competency, with the end goal of improving the quality of recreational therapy services for the consumer. Individuals may apply for a competitive NCTRC Scholarship for a full or partial reimbursement of funds* associated with successful completion (receive a grade of C or better) of credit generating course(s) completed within the past 12 months, leading to one of the following: application for Professional Eligibility; recertification of CTRS credential; Specialization Area designation; progress toward advanced degree in TR/RT; enhanced recreational therapy knowledge.
*Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee an award. Amount of reimbursement will be dependent upon the number and quality of the applications received during each application cycle.
NCTRC Hardship Fee Waiver Program is designed to provide a waiver of NCTRC fees associated with the CTRS credential for those who qualify. Individuals may apply for a waiver of fees associated with any NCTRC application if they have experienced a hardship that has caused any of the following:
- unanticipated life event that causes a substantial financial burden and losses in major life areas
- series of life events that result in a snowball effect of substantial financial burden
- complex medical issues that cause a substantial financial burden
- family caregiving responsibilities that result in substantial financial burden for the applicant
If you believe that you might qualify for one of the NCTRC Financial Assistance programs, please contact the NCTRC office and speak with a Credentialing Specialist about the process.
June Recertification
Recertification applications submitted after June 30, 2022, will enter a 60-day grace period (ending August 31, 2022). If you have not yet submitted your recertification application, please contact NCTRC so that we can assist you with the process.
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.
NCTRC is on Facebook!
NCTRC is now on Facebook. We are excited to open this new avenue of contact between you and the organization.
Please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org.
Thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!
