Specialization Area Designation

Specialization Area Designation

The CTRS Specialization Area Designation is a direct extension of the CTRS credential. Individuals who currently possess active CTRS status are eligible to apply.

What is it?

The Specialization Area Designation on the CTRS credential is used to indicate recreational therapy experience and focused continuing education within a specified area of practice, both of which are necessary components for advancing competence in practice.

The Value of CTRS Specialization Area Designation

As healthcare evolves, the technical knowledge and skills required to practice successfully in a complex service environment increases significantly. Beyond the broad range of essential professional skills, there is an increasing expectation to develop specialized knowledge and skills that are distinctive to specific populations and service sectors. The CTRS designation of specialization provides a higher level of assurance and verification that the practitioner has committed to advancing their knowledge and skills to support provision of quality services to the consumer. Specialization is well recognized within professional practice and has become the norm within the health and human service delivery system today.

Specialization Areas of Recognition

NCTRC awards recognition in the following seven areas:

  • Adaptive Sports and Recreation
  • Behavioral Health
  • Community Inclusion Services
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Geriatrics
  • Pediatrics
  • Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation

How to Obtain a Specialization Area Designation

Advanced knowledge and skill in recreational therapy can be acquired through several methods including education programs, conferences focused upon specific skills or diagnostic populations, and the successful acquisition of expert skills that have been mastered over a substantial period of practice.

The CTRS Specialization Area Designation would be noted on their current certification to indicate experience and focused continuing education in that area.

The specialization area designation is valid for a period of five (5) years.  Recertification of both the CTRS credential and the specialization area designation would occur at the next scheduled recertification due date.

For more information on the CTRS Specialization Area Designations, please review the requirements at NCTRC Certification Standards.