NCTRC Overview Presented by Susan Kaufer CTRS Credentialing

NCTRC Overview Presented by: Susan Kaufer, CTRS Credentialing Specialist II, NCTRC

Learning Objectives 1. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to describe the certification standards for Professional Eligibility. 2. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to describe the NCTRC standards for Recertification and the Areas of Specialization. 3. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to describe how the results of the NCTRC Job Analysis Study relate to the standards.

A Moment of Self Reflection… What does NCTRC do?

NCTRC • Established in 1981 • Service oriented organization dedicated to protect the public and improve RT practice • Guided by talented and devoted professionals who had a clear vision • Accredited in 1993 by National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) • 16, 000+ individuals on NCTRC CTRS Registry • Recognized as cornerstone of the RT profession

Organizations within the Profession Credentialing – certification, protect the public Accreditation (CARTE/COAPRT)academic program Professional Associations (ATRA, CTRA)- profession

Board Of Directors 2017 -18 Executive Committee Melissa Zahl, CTRS/L (2016 -2019) Chair Andrea Waters, CTRS (2017 -2020) Vice Chair Suzanne Prosser, CTRS (2017 -2020) Treasurer Donna Gregory, CTRS (2017 -2020) Employer Rep, Secretary Missy Armstrong, CTRS/R (2016 -2019) Colleen Cooke, CTRS (2016 -2019) Melissa Davis, LRT/CTRS (2018 -2021) Jerome Singleton, CTRS (2018 -2021)

NCTRC’s Mission “To protect the consumer of Therapeutic Recreation Services by promoting the provision of quality services offered by NCTRC certificants”

NCTRC Certification Provides for Protection of the Public �Recognized standards ensure qualified practitioners (CTRS is recognized as the benchmark of safety) �Provide on-line verification services of all active �NCTRC has an effective peer disciplinary process CTRSs �NCTRC serves as national clearing house for all disciplinary cases �NCTRC is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

How Do Certification Standards Change? • NCTRC Board of Directors - Decision Makers – NCTRC Staff Support Professionals in Meeting Certification Standards • Data Driven – Applications – Job Analysis – Exam Pass Rates • Communication to the Field – New Standard is More Stringent – 2 years unless impacts university curricula, then it’s announced 4 years prior – New Standard is More Easily Met – Immediate

Standards Changes • 2016 - NCTRC no longer requires use of the Internship Verification Forms • 2017 – Removed FT language for Internship Site Supervisor, but must work at agency 30 hr. /wk. or more • 2018 – 6 TR courses required starting 1/1/22 • 2018 – changes to interpretive guidelines regarding supervision for work experience for Equivalency Path B, and addition of acceptable academic major with emphasis/option/concentration/sub-plan in RT/TR

Accomplishments • • • Board Ambassador Program Innovations with Ed Begley, Jr. show Translation of NCTRC Standards (French and Spanish) Development of the International TR Coalition Release of New Marketing Materials • It’s Time to Set Yourself Apart • Employ Excellence, Employ a CTRS • 30 and 35 Year Recognition Pins • Recertify and Reinvest in Yourself • Enhanced Online Experience • Growth of NCTRC registry by over 700 over the past year

NCTRC Role & Activities 1. Protect the public through credentialing activities 2. Research in the profession (Profile and JA studies) 3. Support International Growth 4. Support legal recognition of the credential (JTF) 5. Participate in conversations about issues impacting the profession

NCTRC So much more than just a certificate!

Professional Eligibility • To become a CTRS, you must first be awarded professional eligibility and pass the NCTRC Exam • Awarded to those individuals who meet the Certification Standards • Awarded for a five-year period • A fee is required annually to maintain professional eligibility

Professional Eligibility • Academic Path Prior to Degree • Equivalency Path A • Equivalency Path B

Academic Path • Baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university • A major in TR or a major in recreation with an option in TR/RT • TR/General Recreation Content Coursework • Support Coursework • Internship

Equivalency Path A • 18 sem. /24 qtr. hrs. of TR/General Recreation content coursework with a minimum of 15 sem. /20 qtr. hrs. in TR/RT content. Each course must be a minimum of 3 hrs. • 2 of the TR courses may be taught by applicant as FT educator • 24 sem. /32 qtr. hrs. of support courses in the content areas of Social Sciences and Humanities • Minimum 5 yrs. of FT, paid experience in TR services that uses the TR process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study. 3 yrs of FT, paid experience in TR services that uses the TR process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study IF you possess a grad degree or higher in TR

Equivalency Path B • 18 sem. /24 qtr. hrs. of TR/General Recreation content coursework with a minimum of 15 sem. /20 qtr. hrs. in TR/RT content. Each course must be a minimum of 3 hrs. • 2 of the TR courses may be taught by applicant as FT educator • 18 sem. /24 qtr. hrs. of support coursework including: 3 hrs. in Anatomy and Physiology 3 hrs. in Abnormal Psychology 3 hrs. in Lifespan Development The remaining hours must be in Social Sciences and Humanities • Minimum 1 yr. FT, paid experience in TR services that uses the TR process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study; under the supervision of a CTRS

Job Analysis “…delineates the important tasks and knowledge deemed necessary for competent practice. ” (ICE) • Job Tasks practical experience • Knowledge Areas conceptual knowledge

2014 Job Task Areas • • • Professional Relationships and Responsibilities Assessment Plan Interventions and/or Programs Implement Interventions and/or Programs Evaluate Outcomes of the Interventions and/or Programs Document Intervention Services Treatment Teams and/or Service Providers Develop and Maintain Programs Manage TR/RT Services Awareness and Advocacy

Internship, Work Experience & Job Analysis • An acceptable experience must be based on the TR process as defined by the knowledge and skills of the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study • The applicant should demonstrate exposure to ALL of the Job Task Areas of the NCTRC Job Analysis Study • The applicant should demonstrate exposure to opportunities to develop skills for competency in the TR process

2014 Knowledge Areas • Foundational Knowledge (FKW) • Assessment Process (ASP) • Documentation (DOC) • Implementation (IMP) • Administration of TR/RT Service (ADM) • Advancement of the Profession (ADV)

2014 Knowledge Areas If you plan to use education and work experience for recertification, please keep in mind that the content of the continuing education must relate to the knowledge areas in the Job Analysis.

Maintaining Certification • Annual Renewal Annual Maintenance Application • Recertification Application at the end of 5 years Review of Recertification Options

Recertification Process Option 1: Continuing Education and Professional Experience (consider area of specialization designation) Option 2: Re-examination

Recertification • The CTRS Recertification Program helps you to maintain continuing professional competence in therapeutic recreation. • It is the CTRS’s responsibility to collect and maintain all recertification materials over your five-year cycle of recertification.

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

Re-examination Submit Exam Registration Form, Recertification Application & Fee for the exam prior to Recertification Due Date

NCTRC and the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist • Invest in Yourself • Get involved in your profession • Be driven to continuous learning and improvement of your skills • Use NCTRC as a resource, we are here for you • Be PROUD of and MAINTAIN your credential!

Thank you! NCTRC 16 Squadron Blvd. , Suite 101 New City, NY 10956 845 639 1439 845 639 1471 nctrc. org