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Best recreation therapist certifications
Recreation therapist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an recreation therapist to employers. However, not all recreation therapist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a recreation therapist are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, and Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC).
Below is a list of the best recreation therapist certifications. Obtaining an recreation therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
3 best certifications for recreation therapists
| Rank | Recreation therapist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 3 | Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) | CBMT |
3 best recreation 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. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
3. 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)
What is the best certification for a recreation therapist?
The best recreation 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 recreation 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 recreation therapists?
The most in-demand recreation therapist certification is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this recreation therapist certification will give you access to more recreation therapist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a recreation therapist career and salary?
The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification will help you to secure a activities director position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A activities director's average salary is $47,910 whereas recreation therapists make an average salary of $55,992.
The most common combination of recreation therapist certifications include: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, and Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC).
Online courses for recreation therapists to earn certifications
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