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Best rehabilitation therapist certifications

Rehabilitation therapist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an rehabilitation therapist to employers. However, not all rehabilitation therapist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a rehabilitation therapist are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Below is a list of the best rehabilitation therapist certifications. Obtaining an rehabilitation therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for rehabilitation therapists

4 best rehabilitation 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.

Certification details
  • 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. Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)

Certification details
  • 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)
Certifying organization
Art Therapy Credentials Board

3. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services in the U.S. and Canada. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, the CRCC has certified more than 30,000 counselors with its widely recognized Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CCRC) designations.

Certification details
  • 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)

4. 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.

Certification details
  • 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)
Certifying organization
Certification Board for Music...

What is the best certification for a rehabilitation therapist?

The best rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation therapists?

The most in-demand rehabilitation therapist certification is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this rehabilitation therapist certification will give you access to more rehabilitation therapist jobs with higher salaries.

Best certifications

The most common combination of rehabilitation therapist certifications include: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Online courses for rehabilitation therapists to earn certifications

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