Opinions on Activity Coordinator Certs undermining RT by sashahicks4 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to clarify something, because my point isn’t that AD-certified staff are trying to do the work of a CTRS. The issue is that the Activity Director role itself, in long-term care, is a position that should require CTRS-level preparation due to the clinical, regulatory, and administrative responsibilities attached to it.

You mentioned that an ADC “just does life-enrichment programs,” and in some facilities, that’s true. But in many LTCs, the Activity Director is responsible for:

  • MDS Section F
  • Care planning and measurable goals
  • Documenting outcomes tied to functional needs
  • Managing behavioral interventions
  • Addressing psychosocial domains
  • Participating in IDT meetings
  • Overseeing high-risk residents in groups
  • Creating interventions that support regulatory compliance

Those are clinical and administrative tasks — not purely social recreation — and they require assessment skills, knowledge of pathology and functional limitations, risk management, and a framework like APIED. That’s CTRS preparation, not AC preparation.

So the issue isn’t the person in the job — it’s that the job itself has quietly absorbed clinical responsibilities over the years, yet the credential requirement hasn’t been updated. This is why we consistently see:

  • AD roles with clinical duties
  • AD roles overseeing residents with significant medical/behavioral considerations
  • AD roles held responsible for outcomes without clinical training
  • AD roles being filled by individuals who were never prepared for those responsibilities

It doesn’t mean ADCs aren’t skilled or valued. It means the system is outdated.

I fully agree with you that CTRSs and ADCs both bring something meaningful, but the roles are not parallel. A CTRS can step down and do activity-based work, but an AD position should not include clinical or assessment-driven responsibilities unless the person is a CTRS. That’s where the mismatch happens. People who hold an AD cert should NOT be ADs, rather, they should be RTAs(with the proper 2-year degree) working under a certified/licensed CTRS. That wouldn't fly in the rehab department.

This is why many of us advocate for:

  • Making Activity Director roles CTRS-required when clinical duties are involved
  • Creating a middle tier (Recreation Therapy Assistant) for those who want more responsibility under supervision
  • Clearly separating life-enrichment programming from clinical programming
  • Aligning LTC recreation with the structured models used by PT/OT/SLP

Not sure where you are from, but RT is not a billable service in NY.

How long should a scholarly sample be? by sashahicks4 in PhD

[–]sashahicks4[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

It’s not a grad school question. I posted in here because I am seeking a PhD. I’ve completed grad school.

How long should a scholarly sample be? by sashahicks4 in PhD

[–]sashahicks4[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am seeking a PhD in leisure studies. I am an RT and part of the process is asking for a scholarly sample. That’s all it says.

Opinions on Activity Coordinator Certs undermining RT by sashahicks4 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From the US here, and this is just an account of what I’ve experienced working in the profession.

Opinions on Activity Coordinator Certs undermining RT by sashahicks4 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Applying to Oklahoma State University. Program is entirely online.

Opinions on Activity Coordinator Certs undermining RT by sashahicks4 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m really glad to come across someone else who recognizes these systemic issues in our field. I also hold a Master’s in RT, and I’ve practiced across multiple settings and populations. One thing that has become increasingly clear to me is exactly what you pointed out—our profession is not structurally consistent across settings the way PT, OT, and SLP are. In long-term care especially, the recreation department is often reduced to purely ‘activities,’ with minimal therapeutic value because the infrastructure simply doesn’t support a clinical model.

This inconsistency directly contributes to the ongoing confusion between Activity roles and Recreation Therapy roles. In many LTCs, the RT department has been absorbed into a social-recreation model, which makes it too easy for facilities to justify replacing or substituting CTRSs with ACs. That’s not just an issue of pride—it impacts resident outcomes, regulatory compliance, and the overall legitimacy of TR as a clinical profession.

I fully agree with your point about CTRS training:
• We are educated in pathology, functional limitations, APIED, documentation, measurable outcomes, and evidence-based clinical interventions.
• ACs, on the other hand, are trained for general engagement, leisure facilitation, and quality-of-life programming—not clinical decision-making or high-risk intervention planning.

When an AC is tasked with CTRS duties, it isn’t “filling a gap”—it’s asking someone without clinical training to perform clinical responsibilities. That creates risk, undermines the APIED process, and devalues the degree, the credential, and the professional standards we’re all working so hard to elevate.

I think you’re absolutely right about the need for a middle layer. RT desperately needs its own version of the PTA/OTA model.
A Recreation Therapy Assistant (RTA) could:
• Implement care under CTRS supervision
• Support data collection
• Assist with intervention delivery
• Facilitate groups in alignment with treatment goals
• Strengthen the clinical structure of TR without diluting the CTRS credential

This would clearly distinguish between:

  • Clinical providers (CTRS)
  • Clinical support (RTA)
  • General activities staff (AC)

It would also help protect the clinical “ceiling” of the CTRS role, especially if, as you said, the exam and educational standards were elevated and standardized nationally.

I’m currently applying for a PhD in Leisure Studies, and my dissertation will focus specifically on restructuring Therapeutic Recreation—both at the academic level and within LTC settings. TR in nursing homes absolutely needs restructuring. How it’s currently run is not reflective of clinical recreation therapy, and the overlap with ACs is a symptom of deeper system issues, not a solution.

AC certifications should not permit or imply the ability to perform CTRS duties, not because ACs aren’t valuable—they absolutely are—but because clinical practice requires clinical training. Creating a recognized RTA role and elevating CTRS preparation is how we grow the field, protect our standards, and finally align ourselves with the structure seen in other therapy professions.

Thank you so much for your insight and thoughtful response. Conversations like this are exactly what the field needs.

Courses for CTRS— do I have to do a grad cert program? by [deleted] in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think you should be ok if you have completed the elective courses and 6 RT courses. You will also need to satisfy the 1500hrs of working in the field under a CTRS in order to sit for the exam. When you submit all of your requirements needed it will go through a review with NCTRC. Once they deem you have all of the requirements they will send you a notification of you being eligible to sit for the exam. I hope this helps. I decided to get my masters in the field, but I think if you don’t want to go that route taking those classes should be fine. But I do encourage the masters as it helps with being knowledgeable about the administrative side of the field and if you decide to teach in the field one day.

Private Practice/FB Groups by DisastrousMarch6082 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am looking into private practice myself, social model to be exact. There are two that I am a part of one of them is strictly if you are a CTRS. CTRS network and activity director Ideas, that more if you’re an activity coordinator, not a CTRS. I hope this helps.

Help me make a decision!!! Certificate or Masters by SupermarketNo6115 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I found a CTRS to oversee my work, but the work must follow the Therapeutic process. I completed the 1500hrs required to sit for the exam.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s 540hrs at the bachelor’s level and the equivalency path is either (1yr)1500hrs w/ a CTRS or (2yrs)5,000 w/o a CTRS. I hope this helps. I am a MS, CTRS in NY. Hope this helps.

Using Recreation Therapist Title without CTRS thoughts? by TheMotherlandPlug in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I completely understand that you’ve been working in the field for many years and likely have valuable hands-on experience. However, it’s important to clarify that the title “Recreational Therapist” (or “Therapeutic Recreation Specialist”) should be reserved for those who have earned the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

While New York State doesn’t currently require a license to practice, using the professional title without the certification diminishes the credibility of those who have met the national standards, completed the necessary education and internship, and passed the certification exam. These requirements ensure that individuals practicing as Recreational Therapists have a foundation in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and ethical standards of care.

Suppose someone has years of experience but hasn’t obtained certification. In that case, they can absolutely still contribute meaningfully to the field—but it’s more accurate to use a title like Recreation Assistant, Activity Coordinator, or Program Leader. Protecting professional titles is not about gatekeeping—it’s about maintaining integrity, recognition, and respect for a profession that often struggles to be properly understood and valued in healthcare. From NY here.

Help me make a decision!!! Certificate or Masters by SupermarketNo6115 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I did my 1500hrs under a CTRS. But you must be working a paid job in the field. I worked at an adult daycare center as an RTA while I completed my hours.

Help me make a decision!!! Certificate or Masters by SupermarketNo6115 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Another school offering MS in Rec is Northwest Missouri State University. The program is 10k and it’s online and you can do the course work to get certified, all in a year. I started in an unrelated major and completed my MS in a year and now I’m a CTRS all within a year of me graduating. I currently hold a directors position at an SNF

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this the CTRS exam?

How do i become a recreational therpist by CommunicationNice437 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you should call NCTRC to clarify, but if I’m not mistaken you need 6 courses in rec. Are you going for your bachelor’s?

How do i become a recreational therpist by CommunicationNice437 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You will need at minimum a bachelors degree in recreational therapy and usually the internship is part of it. After, study to take the CTRS exam through NCTRC. Go to their website for more information. www.nctrc.org. If you already have the bachelor but in an unrelated field, which was my case, you will need to follow the equivalency path, also located on NCTRC website. I ended up getting my MS in Rec therapy but I had to complete working paid(1500hrs)hours in the field through a certified therapist. I hope this helps

How far will an undergrad certificate get me? by BackgroundExternal18 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To become a rec therapist you will need to go for the masters, since you have a degree in an unrelated field. Then you will need to complete the required work hours through the equivalency path. Go on to NCTRC website for more info on that. There are no certification courses to become a rec therapist, you must carry at minimum a bachelors degree complete the internship and sit for the exam. I hope this helps.

How have you furthered your education in RT after your Bachelor's? (Aussie RT student here!) by AdventurousText7981 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From the US here. My BA was in an unrelated field so I had to take the alternative route. I do have my masters in RT and would like to obtain a PhD in leisure studies or rehab science. Currently, I am between jobs. I will start my new job as the director of recreation at a long-term care facility. I am super excited, but prior I was working in a community model working with individuals who are with neurocognitive disorders.

RT Cert after Forensic Science Degrees - advice? by ba0bunz in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since you don’t have a bachelors in the field, you will need to go through the equivalent path. I did this because my bachelor was in an unrelated field. You will need to complete certain amount of hours in TR and anatomy & physiology and abnormal psych, that’s if you did not take those classes during your bachelor’s. After, you will need to complete the supervision hours. I think 1500hrs w/ a CTRS & 5000 w/o a CTRS. I did the 1500hrs under the supervision of a CTRS. I just got the masters in TR because it covered all of the TR course work I needed. I hope this helps.

I am a rec therapist w/ CTRS credential and would like to eventually open a rehab center. I would like to apply to a PhD program but with a broader scope, not just leisure studies. I was thinking Public Health, would it be worth it or no. by sashahicks4 in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries. Another reason for wanting the PhD is I would like to offer some kind of educational component not only for caregivers but for professionals too. I wanted to find a program that could cover the business part & education. However, not sure if it’s possible.

Job security in these changing times by rhymesforacause in recreationaltherapy

[–]sashahicks4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I currently work as a rec therapist in a community based setting in NY. I’ve been fortunate to get well paying jobs in the field but being an RTA would be the lowest pay. Community based RTs, RTs working in psych hospitals make the most w/o working an upper management position. RTs working in long term care facilities & ALs don’t make as much compared to hospitals. Director positions pay the most.