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Best activity therapist certifications
The best certifications for an activity therapist are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC), and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Activity therapist certifications demonstrate your competency as an activity therapist to employers. However, not all activity therapist certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best activity therapist certifications. Obtaining an activity therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for activity therapists
| Rank | Activity therapist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
| 2 | Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) | CBMT |
| 3 | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | NBCOT |
| 4 | Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) | ATCB |
4 best activity therapist certifications
1. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreation therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. NCTRC supports quality human service and health care standards and maintains recognition by the Joint Commission and the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). NCTRC provides credential verification services to employers and health care agencies. These services are strongly encouraged by NCTRC to monitor personnel adherence to the standards of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC)
The credential Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to identify music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice music therapy at the current level of the profession. The purpose of board certification in music therapy is to provide an objective national standard that can be used as a measure of professionalism by interested agencies, groups, and individuals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for an activity therapist?
The best activity therapist certification is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this activity therapist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for activity therapists?
The most in-demand activity therapist certification is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this activity therapist certification will give you access to more activity therapist jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of activity therapist certifications include: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC), and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Online courses for activity therapists to earn certifications
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