A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is the qualified professional providing recreational therapy services. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam uses a scope of practice that is based on theoretical constructs and applied methodology and addresses a wide range of disabling conditions and illnesses. Varsity Tutors can set you up in personalized CTRS classes that work with you on an individual level, ensuring you are getting the study skills necessary to not only do your best on the exam but to develop your knowledge base vital to advance your career.
The CTRS is a certified recreational therapist who has demonstrated professional competence by acquiring a specific body of knowledge and passing the NCTRC exam. Varsity Tutors can provide you with CTRS prep classes to help you learn to apply this critical set of skills and competencies. In practice, the knowledge gained from working with a tutor in a CTRS prep class will allow you to examine the total person you work with and the life factors that are associated with a specific disability or illness. The CTRS course enables you to serve as a member of the treatment team; including other healthcare professionals, the patient, and family members. You can significantly contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of patient care and service outcomes.
A CTRS prep course can teach you to address a wide scope of disabling conditions and illnesses. The certification indicates to employers and members of the public that the CTRS has met the educational, experiential and professional requirements necessary to be a qualified provider of recreational therapy services.
There are two paths to becoming a CTRS. Your CTRS prep courses can help you determine which path, Academic Path or the Equivalency Path, is most appropriate for your learning style. Once you decide which path you will take, a CTRS course can help you examine the sections to decide where to focus your attention:
Test Specifications
Content Areas | Percentage of Exam |
Foundational Knowledge | 20% |
Assessment Process | 19% |
Documentation | 18% |
Implementation | 26% |
Administration of TR/RT Service | 10% |
Advancement of the Profession | 7% |
You have the option of working in CTRS courses with individual tutors. A personalized CTRS course may be the right option for you if you enjoy getting personalized feedback from your educator throughout your learning process. The instructor you work with can provide you with an individualized lesson plan that is based entirely on your specific academic needs. This type of CTRS test prep can be flexible, and able to work with busy schedules. You can begin your studies with a tutor knowing you can fulfill your educational needs without missing out on your established commitments.
Below you will see a list of potential topics on your exam. Studying in a CTRS prep class enables you to jump around, focusing on topics that are most prudent to your existing knowledge base:
Topic List (Non-Comprehensive)
- Human developmental stages across the lifespan
- Principles of group dynamics and leadership
- Standards of Practice
- Code of ethics
- Psychiatric disorders and related impairments (e.g., addictions, PTSD)
- Current TR/RT assessment instruments
- Interprofessional assessment instruments, inventories, and questionnaires
- Sensory Assessment
- Cognitive Assessment
- Interpretation of documentation of assessment results
- Writing measurable goals and behavioral objectives
- Selection of Programs, activities, and interventions to achieve the assessed needs of the person(s) served
- Procedures for program evaluation and accountability
- Professionalism
If you are prepared to learn more about becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), reach out to Varsity Tutors today. A skilled professional tutor is available to assist you in any way you need. We can answer your questions and help you get set up with an expert CTRS course from an adept test prep tutor. We look forward to helping you gain the confidence, test-taking skills, study skills, and knowledge that is crucial to advance your career.
Carolyn: CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist course instructor
...at the college level but most of my teaching experience comes from the Recreational Therapy world. I have taught teens with disabilities life skills classes, children with cancer how to understand their illness and treatment in an age appropriate way and stress management techniques. I have taught recreation therapy interns how to implement what they learned in school in real world settings as well as prepare for the CTRS exam. From a zoology perspective, I...
Education & Certification
- Ohio State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Zoology
- University of Toledo - Master of Arts, Therapeutic Recreation
Subject Expertise
- CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Zoology
- English
- Adult ESL/ELL
- +5 subjects
Taylor: CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist course instructor
...of 2017, with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. Since graduation I have continued to learn and gain professional experience in both mental health and substance abuse. Each of these occupations have only made my passion for the field of recreational therapy grow leaps and bounds. I only hope to be able to help others find that same passion for the field, as well as encourage, and play a roll in preparing them for...
Education & Certification
- East Carolina University - Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation
Subject Expertise
- CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Professional Certifications
McKenzie: CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist course instructor
...Recreation Therapist, CTRS. I graduated in 2018 from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Therapy, cum laude, and a minor in Psychology. I have always loved learning and helping others. I am experienced with helping people of all ages and levels of ability based on my Recreation Therapy and Psychology background. I have always loved organization and developing study habits. I refined my habits through undergrad and...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Bachelor in Arts, Therapeutic Recreation
Subject Expertise
- CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Social Sciences
- Study Skills and Organization
- Math
- +11 subjects
Katelyn: CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist course instructor
...College of Pennsylvania where I received my Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Administration with an emphasis in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Applied Youth Development. Since graduation, I have become a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) and worked in a variety of settings including mental health, pediatric hospitals, schools, and 1:1 in home support. I have also completed a certificate program in Secondary Education/Special Education at Notre Damn of Maryland. I am...
Education & Certification
- York College of PA - Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation
Subject Expertise
- CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Learning Differences
- Professional Certifications
- English
- +5 subjects
Amy: CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist course instructor
I am a graduate student obtaining my doctorate in occupational therapy, and I would be happy to help you. I have done well on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GRE) - specifically with high scores in reading and writing. I also speak Spanish and have spent multiple summers in Spain helping children learn English. I look forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- Florida State University - Bachelor of Science, Family and Consumer Sciences
- Boston University - Current Grad Student, Occupational Therapy
Subject Expertise
- CTRS - A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- NBCOT - National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy
- COTA / NBCOT - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- OTR / NBCOT - Occupational Therapist - Registered
- +36 subjects