National Council For Therapeutic Recreation

Certification

845.639.1439
nctrc@nctrc.org
www.nctrc.org

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CTRSs to Celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week

July 13-19, 2008

National Therapeutic Recreation Week, established by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society in 1984, is celebrated each year during the second week of July. The purpose of National Therapeutic Recreation Week is to enhance public awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services, promote recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and recognize the qualified provider of RT services…the CTRS. According to NCTRC, recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions based upon the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions. The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. For more information... NCTRC Scope of Practice.

NCTRC has developed a National TR Week Flyer for promotional use. Please feel free to print this PR tool and make several copies to display at your agency. NCTRC also offers an array of marketing materials for use at your agency during TR Week or any other time to help promote the CTRS and therapeutic recreation services. All NCTRC promotional material can be downloaded in PDF format from the NCTRC website or you can contact NCTRC if you would like multiple copies of a specific brochure.

Ways to Celebrate TR Week

During the nationwide celebration, CTRSs and their agencies host lectures and presentations, career days, adaptive sport events, workshops, receptions, information booths, and open houses. Proclamations, press releases, articles and public service announcements also enhance awareness of the CTRS during National Therapeutic Recreation Week.  The National Therapeutic Recreation Society has identified 31 promotional ideas that are tried and true ways to help plan your celebration.

NCTRC Conducts Annual Board Meeting

The NCTRC Board of Directors conducted its annual meeting on April 24-25, 2008 in Newburgh, NY. Among the many achievements accomplished during the two-day meeting were the following:

• Three new members were inducted to the NCTRC Board of Directors. Debbie Robinson, CTRS (NH) and Nancy Richeson, CTRS (ME) were inducted for a three-year term (2008-2011). Janet Turner, CTRS (PA) was inducted as the Employer Representative to the NCTRC Board of Directors and will also serve a three-year term (2008-2011).
• Jim Shea, CTRS (CT) was re-elected as Chair of the Board of Directors for the term of 2008-2009.
• In a unified vote, the Board endorsed the continued exploration of Specialty Certification by NCTRC. An ad hoc Committee was established to further study the issue and report back to the Board with their recommendations by November 2008.
• An ad hoc Committee was also established to investigate and develop a strategic action plan related to strengthening the eligibility requirements for NCTRC certification based upon the results of the 2007 NCTRC Job Analysis Study.

Helpful Reminders to Assure a Successful Internship

The summer months often serve as an opportunity for students to complete their academic internships. In order to provide a smooth transition to obtaining the CTRS credential, the following requirements must be met during the internship experience:

• The length of the internship must be a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks and 480 hours.
• The intern should work no less than 20 hours per week and no more than 45 hours per week.
• The field placement supervisor must be employed full-time at the sponsoring agency and work a minimum of 32 hours per week. At least 50% of the supervisor's duties must be in therapeutic recreation and they must be an active CTRS on the first day of your internship.
• The internship experience must be based on the therapeutic recreation process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis.

Please visit NCTRC 's website to review and download the NCTRC Field Placement Standards.

Did you know ...

• You can complete your Recertification requirements by taking the NCTRC Exam. Register by July 1st for the October Exam.
• You can complete continuing education requirements using a variety of sources and opportunities. Find out more about CE opportunities.
• You can fulfill the Recertification work experience component by completing 480 hours of documented volunteer work.

Please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org if you have any questions or concerns.

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