License and Certification

Recreational Therapy Licensure in North Carolina

During the 2005 legislative session, the North Carolina General Assembly amended the Therapeutic Recreation Personnel Certification Act (Chapter 90-C). Effective October 5, 2005 North Carolina became the second state in the nation to license individuals to provide recreational therapy services. The purpose of the Recreational Therapy Licensure Act is “to safeguard the health and safety of the public and to protect the public from harm by unqualified persons by establishing a minimum level of education, experience, and competence to assure the highest degree of professional care and conduct on the part of licensed recreational therapists and licensed recreational therapy assistants”.

To comply with North Carolina law, persons providing recreational therapy services in the state must possess the North Carolina license. Individuals who are nationally certified as therapeutic recreation specialists must also possess the state license in order to practice in the state. Being nationally certified as a CTRS does not satisfy the North Carolina law.

For more info Contact NCBRTL:

North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL)
PO Box 2655
Durham, NC 27715

Phone: 336-212-1133
Web site: www.ncbrtl.org

National Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) grants certification credentials of “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist” and “CTRS” and “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Assistant,” and “CTRA.” to qualified applicants meeting certification requirements.  Each of these credentials are trademarks owned by NCTRC and unauthorized use is prohibited.  While national certification is not mandatory, the credential has been identified by health care accrediting organizations and governmental regulatory groups to designate “qualified” professionals.  For more information and certification materials/applications, please contact:

NCTRC
7 Elmwood Drive
New City, NY 10956
845-639-1439
www.nctrc.org