The Online Graduate Certificate in
Therapeutic Recreation
Pathway to Professional Excellence
Presented by Dr. Lynn Anderson, CTRS, CPRP
Learning Outcomes
• Participants will gain an understanding of the proposed online
graduate certificate program in therapeutic recreation at
SUNY Cortland
• Participants will gain knowledge of professional development
opportunities in therapeutic recreation
• Participants will understand alternate paths to eligibility for
certification in the profession
Disclaimer!
• At the time of this
presentation, the Online
Graduate Certificate
Program in TR is
approved at the
university level and is
now at the system level
Meet Janet….
Janet has been working for the state in a job classification
of recreation therapist. When she was hired years ago,
her college degree in physical education was sufficient to
meet the job qualifications. With a state licensure bill on
the horizon in therapeutic recreation, Janet wants to
pursue national certification as a Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist with NCTRC so she will be prepared
for the licensure law in the future. Janet has well over five
years of experience in the field, but lacks the academic
courses to pursue certification.
Meet John….
John just graduated with his bachelor’s degree
in psychology. He is interested in working in the
field of therapeutic recreation, which he
discovered and fell in love with while working in
his first job at a human services agency. The
therapeutic recreation specialist at the agency is
willing to provide a year of mentored
supervision needed to pursue national
certification as a CTRS, but John lacks the
academic coursework he will also need to
pursue certification.
Meet Lisa…
Lisa is a graduate student at a college in the
Midwest. Because she needed to miss a
semester due to a family crisis, she was
unable to complete all her required
coursework in therapeutic recreation. In
order to graduate in a timely manner, she
needs to find a few therapeutic recreation
courses online in order to complete her
degree requirements.
Meet Samantha…
Samantha needs to earn continuing education
for her recertification in therapeutic recreation.
She does not have the time or money to attend
several conferences or workshops, so wants to
take a college class to earn her CEUs. However,
she needs to continue her full-time job and
cannot travel to take a class as the nearest
university with therapeutic recreation courses is
over two hours away. She is looking for an
online course to help her with her continued
professional development.
Need for online learning in TR
• Place-bound
• Limited higher education
opportunities geographically spread
• Inconsistent offerings at some
universities
• Continuing education
• Looming licensure
Need for continuing education
• Over 30,000 recreation therapists in
the U.S.
• Only 14,000 are certified
TR is a fast growing field
• TR is one of the fastest growing
health/human services professions
according to US Bureau of Labor
Statistics
• TR is listed as one of the top 10 "best
jobs to save the world" by CNN Money
• Healthcare Pathways named therapeutic
recreation among its top ten fields of
study
•
TR is a fast growing field
• AllHealthCare named TR the best
paying health care job with a
bachelor's degree
• Kiplinger named TR one of the most
lucrative fields with only a bachelor's
degree.
Fulfilling a Need
• An online graduate certificate program in
therapeutic recreation would fulfill the
varying needs of a large group of entering
and practicing professionals in therapeutic
recreation
What is a Graduate Certificate?
• Certificate means a credential issued by
an accredited higher education institution
in recognition of the completion of a
curriculum other than one leading to a
degree
• A graduate certificate is a program
composed of graduate level courses
Official Transcript
• All courses taken are
listed on a college
transcript
• The certificate is posted
to a college transcript,
like a degree
Proposed Certificate
• Available only to those with
bachelor’s degrees
• The set of courses would lead to a
“Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic
Recreation” (not a degree)
• Would fulfill academic requirements
in therapeutic recreation to enable
graduates to sit for the NCTRC
national certification exam
Proposed Certificate
• Could also provide a pathway
into a master’s in therapeutic
recreation
• Professionals could take just
one or a few courses to
maintain certification, not the
entire certificate program
Source for the following NCTRC information
• http://nctr
c.org/docu
ments/1N
ewAp.pdf
NCTRC Equivalency Paths
• Equivalency refers to an alternate route to
certification based upon specific academic
preparation and full-time, paid work
experience.
• There are two equivalency paths to
professional eligibility with NCTRC:
– Equivalency Path A
– Equivalency Path B
NCTRC Equivalency Path A
• The eligibility requirements to take the
CTRS exam are a baccalaureate
degree or higher from an
accredited college or university
verified by an official transcript and
the following:
NCTRC Equivalency Path A
• A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter
hours of therapeutic recreation and general
recreation content coursework with no less
than a minimum of 15 semester or 20
quarter hours in therapeutic recreation
content;
• A minimum of 5 courses in therapeutic
recreation is required and each course must
be a minimum of 3 credit hours; AND
NCTRC Equivalency Path A
• Supportive courses to include a
minimum of 24 semester hours or
32 quarter hours in the content
areas of social sciences and
humanities; AND
NCTRC Equivalency Path A
• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time paid experience
in therapeutic recreation services that uses the
therapeutic recreation process as defined by the current
NCTRC Job Analysis.
• Applicants who possess a graduate degree in
therapeutic recreation need a minimum of three (3)
years of full-time paid experience in therapeutic
recreation services that uses the therapeutic recreation
process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis.
Equivalency Path Work Experience
• In order for full-time work experience
to be accepted under the equivalency
paths, the job title and duties must be
full-time in therapeutic recreation as
defined by the current NCTRC Job
Analysis.
Equivalency Path Work Experience
• Full-time work experience is defined as
between 32 to 40 hours per week.
• Part-time work experience in a
permanent employment position in
therapeutic recreation practice will be
accepted as long as it is between 20 to
31 hours per week.
Equivalency Path Work Experience
• If the part-time experience is ruled to be
acceptable under the equivalency paths, it will be
prorated (i.e., one year of part-time experience at
20 hours per week will be evaluated as 6 months
full-time experience).
• Seasonal, temporary, and/or consulting
experience will not be accepted as full-time or
permanent part-time work experience.
NCTRC Equivalency Path B
• The eligibility requirements to take the
CTRS examination are a baccalaureate
degree or higher from an accredited
college or university verified by an
official transcript and the following:
NCTRC Equivalency Path B
• A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter
hours of therapeutic recreation and general
recreation content coursework with no less
than a minimum of 15 semester or 20
quarter hours in therapeutic recreation
content.
• A minimum of 5 courses in therapeutic
recreation is required and each course must
be a minimum of 3 credit hours.
NCTRC Equivalency Path B
• Supportive courses to include a total of 18 semester
hours or 24 quarter hours of support coursework
with a minimum of:
– (i) 3 semester hours or 3 quarter hours coursework in the
content area of anatomy and physiology;
– (ii) 3 semester hours or 3 quarter hours coursework in the
content area of abnormal psychology; and
– (iii) 3 semester hours or 3 quarter hours coursework in the
content area of human growth and development across the
lifespan.
NCTRC Equivalency Path B
• The remaining semester hours or
quarter hours of coursework must
be fulfilled in the content areas of
social sciences and humanities;
AND
NCTRC Equivalency Path B
• A minimum of one (1) year fulltime, paid work experience in
therapeutic recreation services
under the supervision of a CTRS
that uses the therapeutic
recreation process as defined by
the current NCTRC Job Analysis
Equivalency Path B Work Experience
•
•
•
•
Required work experience in therapeutic recreation must occur in the 5 years
before application.
Credit will not be given for administrative or consultant work, which does not
include direct client services.
One-year full-time experience is defined as a minimum of1500 hours worked
(excludes scheduled and unscheduled leave time) within a minimum of a full
calendar year (52 weeks). The 1500 hour number is determined from
calculating full-time as a minimum of 32 hours per week over 46 weeks. 46
weeks is determined by subtracting potential vacation, holiday and leave time
from 52 weeks in a year.
A minimum of 32 hours per week will be considered full-time status. Part-time
employment of no less than 20 hours per week will be pro-rated to full-time
equivalent up to the minimum of 1500 hours of employment.
Equivalency Path B Work Experience
• The supervisor must hold an active CTRS credential throughout
the period of supervision and the supervisor may be either:
– Employed on-site with direct supervisory responsibility for the applicant
(direct supervisory responsibilities refer to having primary responsibility for
the applicant’s performance evaluation, clinical and/or managerial
supervision); or
– A preceptor or consultant to the agency and applicant. The
preceptor/consultant must provide on-site supervision of the applicant for
a minimum of one hour for every 10 hours of the applicant’s employment
for a minimum of 150 hours within the calendar year of supervision.
Supervision must include direct observation of practice as well as
supervisory meetings.
• The CTRS supervisor must complete a formal evaluation
provided by NCTRC.
Meeting the needs and the standards
ONLINE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN TR
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR
• Learning Outcomes:
– Students completing the graduate certificate program shall demonstrate
entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the therapeutic
recreation profession and its associated service delivery systems, and
the foundations of the therapeutic recreation profession in history,
theory, science, and philosophy.
– Students completing the graduate certificate program shall demonstrate
the ability to assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate
therapeutic recreation services that facilitate targeted outcomes, and
that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
– Students completing the graduate certificate program shall be able to
demonstrate entry-level knowledge about
management/administration of therapeutic recreation services.
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
• REC 603 - Historical, Philosophical and Theoretical
Perspectives of Recreation and Leisure (3 cr)
• REC 630 - Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation (3 cr)
• REC 530 – TR Process I: Assessment (3 cr)
• REC 533 – TR Process II: PIE (3 cr)
• REC 535 – TR Interventions (3 cr)
• REC 538 – Design and Administration of TR Services (3 cr)
• Total Credit Hours Required: 18
Curriculum Map
REC 603
REC 630
Foundations of
Therapeutic
Recreation
Historical,
Philosophical, &
Theoretical Perspective
of Recreation & Leisure
REC 530
Therapeutic
Recreation Process I:
Assessment
REC 533
Therapeutic
Recreation Process II
REC 535
Therapeutic
Recreation
Interventions
REC 538
Therapeutic
Recreation
Administration
From the NCTRC Test Content
Foundational Knowledge: 33.3% of exam
•
•
Background
Theories and
concepts
•
•
•
•
Background
Diagnostic
groupings
Theories and
concepts
Strategies and
guidelines
Practice of TR/RT: 46.7% of exam
•
•
Assessment
Documentation
•
•
•
Strategies and
guidelines
Implementation
Documentation
•
•
Strategies and
guidelines
Implementation
Organization of TR/RT:
13.3%
Advancement of TR:
6.7%
•
TR service delivery
•
Administrative
tasks
•
Advancement of
TR
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 603
Historical,
Philosophical &
Theoretical
Perspectives of
Recreation &
Leisure
Foundational Knowledge:
• Theories of play/recreation/leisure
• Social/psychological aspects of play
• Leisure throughout the lifespan
• Leisure lifestyle development
Practice of TR/RT:
• Nature of leisure/recreation activities
Advancement of the Profession:
• Historical development of TR/RT
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 630
Foundations
of
Therapeutic
Recreation
Foundational Knowledge:
• Diversity factors
• Theories of human behavior
• Concepts of health/human services
• Impairments
• Normalization/inclusion (do Inclusion U)
• Architectural barriers/accessibility
• Societal attitudes
• Legislation, relevant guidelines and standards
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 630
Foundations
of
Therapeutic
Recreation
Practice of TR/RT:
• Concepts of TR/RT
• Models of TR/RT service delivery
• Practice settings
• Standards of practice
• Code of ethics
• Impact of impairment
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 630
Foundations
of
Therapeutic
Recreation
Advancement of the Profession:
• Historical development of TR/RT
• TR/RT certification/recertification
• Professional standards/ethical guidelines
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 530
TR Process I:
Assessment
Foundational Knowledge:
• Relevant guidelines and standards
Practice of TR/RT:
• Standards of practice
• Code of ethics
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 530
TR Process I:
Assessment
Practice of TR/RT:
• Selection of assessment
• Behavioral observations and interviewing
• Functional skills testing for assessment
• TR/RT/leisure assessment instruments; other
inventories/questionnaires and sources of data
• Interpretation of assessment
• Sensory, cognitive, social, physical, affective,
and leisure assessment
• Documentation
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 533
TR Process II:
PIE
Foundational Knowledge:
• Principles of group interaction/leadership
• Principles of behavioral change
Practice of TR/RT:
• Standards of practice and code of ethics
• Documentation
• Nature of leisure/recreation activities
• Purpose/techniques of activity analysis
• Selection of programs
• Activity modifications
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 533
TR Process II:
PIE
Organization of TR/RT Services:
• Program design
• Writing measurable goals/behavioral objectives
• Health/human services professions
• Documentation procedures
• Interpretation of progress notes
Advancement of the Profession:
• Advocacy
• Professional standards/ethical guidelines
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 535
TR
Interventions
Foundational Knowledge:
• Principles of group interaction/leadership
• Relevant guidelines and standards
Practice of TR/RT:
• Standards of practice and code of ethics
• Leisure education/counseling
• Modalities/interventions
• Facilitation techniques/approaches
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 538
Design &
Administration
of TR Services
Foundational Knowledge:
• Legislation
• Relevant guidelines and standards
Practice of TR/RT:
• Models of TR/RT service delivery
• Practice settings
• Standards of practice
• Code of ethics
• Documentation
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 538
Design &
Administration
of TR Services
Organization of TR/RT Services:
• Program design
• Service delivery systems; related professions
• Evaluating agency TR/RT service program
• Quality improvement
• TR/RT service plan of operation
• Personnel/intern/volunteer supervision
• Facility/equipment management
• Budgeting/fiscal responsibility, payment systems
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR Curriculum
REC 538
Design &
Admin of
TR
Services
Advancement of the Profession:
• Accreditation standards/regulations
• Professionalism, professional associations
• TR/RT certification/recertification
• Legislation/regulations
• Professional standards/ethical guidelines
• Public relations/marketing
• Maintaining/upgrading professional competencies
• Partnership for the advancement of TR/RT profession
• Continuing education/in-service training
The Online Graduate Certificate in TR
Schedule
Admissions Requirements
• Bachelor's degree, completed
before classes begin, in any
academic major
Requirements for
Awarding the Certificate
• The Certificate is awarded to
students who have an overall
3.0 grade point average
upon completion of all
required coursework in the
certificate program.
Tuition Cost
• For 3 credits:
– Resident: $1,233
– Non-resident: $2,295
• For 6 credits:
– Resident: $2,466
– Non-resident: $4,590
Tuition Cost
• For 9 credits:
– Resident: $3,699
– Non-resident: $6,885
• Fees – to be determined
Graduate Studies
• http://www2.cortland.edu/academics/
graduate/
For more information:
• Lynn.anderson@cortland.edu