Membership Designations

Type

Description

Qualifications

Professional Member CTRS®

• ·CTRS® credential is awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC®)
• Recognized professional standard for Recreation Therapy practitioners.
• Indicates completion of rigorous academic, clinical experience, and examination requirements
• Professional Members CTRS® category is limited to individuals accredited and in good standing with NCTRC®.
• CTRS® professionals must follow the NCTRC® Code of Ethics.
• Credential requires ongoing professional development and continuing education.
• Recertification required every five years to maintain the credential.
• Widely recognized nationally and internationally as a mark of excellence in Recreation Therapy.
• Demonstrates competence, professionalism, and high standards in therapeutic recreation services.

• Educational Requirements: Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree or higher in Recreation Therapy or a related field, along with coursework that meets NCTRC® standards.
• Field Experience: Candidates are required to complete a minimum number of hours of supervised clinical fieldwork in Recreation Therapy settings.
• Certification Exam: After fulfilling the educational and experiential requirements, candidates must pass the NCTRC® certification exam to be awarded the CTRS® designation.

Professional Members (Non CTRS) – Degree Graduates  

The Professional Members category of the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) includes individuals who are actively engaged in the field of Recreation Therapy but do not currently hold the CTRS ®designation. Professional members are dedicated to promoting well-being and enhancing the quality of life of individuals through recreation and leisure-based interventions while adhering to the CTRA Standards of Practice.

• Educational Requirements: Must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Experience: These individuals should have relevant experience in Recreation Therapy or a related role, demonstrating knowledge and application of recreation and leisure-based interventions.
• Commitment to Standards: Though they may not hold the CTRS® credential, these professionals are expected to adhere to the CTRA Standards of Practice, including evidence-informed practice, client-centred care, and ongoing professional development.

Professional Members (Non CTRS)- Diploma Graduates

• Educational Requirements: Must have completed a diploma in Recreation Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation from a recognized post-secondary institution. The diploma program should ideally offer transfer credits toward a baccalaureate degree in Recreation Therapy or a related field, facilitating a seamless transition to further education.
  
  • To support ongoing professional development, CTRA encourages diploma holders to complete their education in programs that have formal affiliations with at least one degree-granting institution. These affiliations ensure that diploma graduates have access to a structured pathway for advancing their qualifications and eventually earning a degree.
• Role and Responsibilities: Diploma holders typically work as Recreation Therapy Assistants, Associates, or Coordinators, providing essential support to Recreation Therapists. Their role includes delivering therapeutic programs, facilitating client participation, and assisting with the implementation of treatment plans. Diploma holders do not typically conduct independent assessments or develop treatment plans but play a vital role in the execution of therapeutic activities.
• Commitment to Standards: Diploma holders are to adhere to the CTRA Standards of Practice, and contribute to client care by providing meaningful therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a Recreation Therapist.

Student Members

The Student Member category of the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) is designed for individuals who are actively pursuing a formal education in Recreation Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation. This category supports emerging professionals in their educational journey, offering opportunities for engagement, learning, and networking within the field.

• Enrollment in a Recognized Program: Student members must be currently enrolled in a recognized post-secondary program related to Recreation Therapy at either the baccalaureate or diploma level.
• Proof of Enrollment: Students are required to verify their enrollment from a recognized institution to qualify for this membership category.

Supporting Members

The Supporting Member category fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy, creating a network of professionals who contribute to the advancement of Recreation Therapy while remaining connected to the organization’s mission and goals. This category is open to individuals and professionals who, while not practicing as Recreation Therapists or Recreation Therapy Assistants, wish to support the mission and goals of CTRA. These members come from a variety of related fields and have a vested interest in the advancement of Recreation Therapy, whether at the local, national, or global level.

• Affiliation with Allied Fields: Supporting Members may include professionals from allied health fields such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, mental health counselling, education, research, and other relevant disciplines. They may also include community leaders, educators, or stakeholders with an interest in Recreation Therapy.
• Interest in Recreation Therapy: Individuals who support the field of Recreation Therapy and its growth through advocacy, research, and interprofessional collaboration are welcome to join as Supporting Members.