The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a required credential provided by NCTRC to be able to practice Recreational Therapy. Throughout your internship, we will be requiring you to study while on the road in between sessions. This could be accomplished by listening to certain YouTube videos (or any other audio media) through the radio. Here are a few for example:
NCTRC Overview, Susan Kaufer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjDKfSk9Wds
#24 NCTRC Certification Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZySvoLO_Xg
New CTRS Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMM2BX7drbk
Internship Standards Changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N50-IXpytE
CTRS Training Quiz Cards/Game Oct 6 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPats90CdcM
RPG Research Therapeutic Recreation Training: NCTRC CTRS Test Questions Quiz Part 1 – FK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYwC2WAr2PM
RPG Research Therapeutic Recreation Discussion, Practice, & Training 20190811: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvxmrrbe3Eg&list=PLFxQ97IdxF1qyckXogLRG4dyyTa9rsiiH
TR Talk Show Episode 1 – Therapeutic Recreation / Recreation Therapy Introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkVFW75vXLs
You can also listen to any other podcasts or videos that you find and believe to be beneficial in preparing for the Certification Exam. Assisted Independence requires a minimum number of practice exams to be completed. One practice exam a month will be required, but interns can complete more than one a month. The intern can determine if they would like to complete them at the beginning or end of the month. The exam will be graded by the Internship Supervisor.
The CTRS exam can be costly. Assisted Independence understands the difficult position students are placed in to complete unpaid internships, while being expected to pay for the exam.
Assisted Independence will reimburse the intern for the cost of the NCTRC exam, with the following criteria being met:
- Passing all practice exams during internship, leading up to exam
- Completing the exam during your internship
- Consultation with the Director of Recreational Therapy to determine if you are eligible to apply for the Hardship Waiver through NCTRC
- Accepting a position with Assisted Independence as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist after completion of your internship.
- Passing of CTRS exam
All criteria must be met before Assisted Independence will reimburse an intern for their certification exam.