National Council For Therapeutic Recreation

Certification

845.639.1439
nctrc@nctrc.org
www.nctrc.org

Welcome to NCTRC e-News!

Have You Heard the News About Specialty Certification?

NCTRC is planning to launch a new specialty certification program during the next few months. The primary purpose of NCTRC specialty certification is to acknowledge the CTRS whose practice has reached an advanced professional level, and to provide formal recognition of competence beyond the CTRS credential. NCTRC specialty certification will provide an additional level of assurance to patients, consumers, and employers regarding the delivery of quality recreation therapy and therapeutic recreation services.

NCTRC plans to award specialty certification in the following five areas of practice:

•  Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation

•  Geriatrics

•  Developmental Disabilities

•  Behavioral Health

• Community Inclusion Services

The Specialty Certification Program is currently undergoing final testing using a pilot group of CTRSs. Stay tuned for future announcements about this exciting new program.

It's a Small World After - All!

A note from Andrew Ritcey, CTRS, NCTRC Board of Directors Chairperson

Danielle (Merryweather) Taylor, CTRS from Canada is seen carrying the Olympic torch en route to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver / Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. She is symbolic of the ever-changing world of Recreation Therapy practice and how the CTRS credential is recognized and acknowledged internationally as the mark of the qualified provider of TR services. Danielle completed her TR studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her studies included the completion of her internship in North Carolina, USA. Danielle took advantage of the North America Free Trade Act (NAFTA), which permits qualified Recreation Therapists (CTRS) to practice in either Canada or the United States. She remained in the United States after graduating to work and successfully obtain her certification. Although Danielle has since returned to Canada, she is one of many Canadians and Americans who have taken advantage of NAFTA and earned the CTRS credential to freely practice in either country.

The Olympics are recognized as the most prestigious world event for athletes and teams to illustrate how they are the best in their sport. Although the timing is coincidental, NCTRC will soon launch its new Specialty Certification Program. NCTRC Specialty Certification will enable CTRSs to be recognized for their specialty practice and continue to provide protection to the consumer by requiring a rigorous recertification program. For many of us, the CTRS credential represents the “Gold Standard”. We are confident that the Specialty Certification will strengthen that view.

(Incidentally, Danielle gave birth to a little girl “Emily” in early December 2009).

NCTRC to Change Recertification and Annual Maintenance Reminders

Beginning with the May 2010 renewal cycle, NCTRC will notify CTRSs of their pending renewal date by email or postcard. Printed application packets will be available by request. It is expected that this decision will result in a decrease in paper applications and therefore, allow NCTRC to become a brighter shade of green. Please update your current contact information with NCTRC via the MY NCTRC LOGIN or by contacting NCTRC at 845-639-1439.

May Recertification Exam Option

NCTRC would like to remind you that if you are coming to the end of your five year recertification cycle you can take the NCTRC exam to meet the requirements for recertification. The May 2010 exam is the only exam one can take to meet the May cycle Recertification requirements. Visit the NCTRC website www.nctrc.org to access the exam registration form. From the home page, click on Exam or MY NCTRC LOGIN to access the form. The dates for the May 2010 exam are May 3-7, 2010.

Did you know ...

• May Recertification Applications need to be postmarked by May 1, 2010 to avoid a $50.00 late fee.
• The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) has changed its name to the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).
• NCTRC accepts self-nominations for the Board of Directors throughout the year. Contact NCTRC for more information.

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.