What does CTRA mean in THERAPEUTICS

The Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) is a national organization dedicated to advancing and promoting therapeutic recreation as an essential health-care service. It serves to support its members in their professional growth, practice and research through education, advocacy, networking and leadership development.

Through active membership, you will have access to benefits such as professional liability insurance discounts, discounted registration fees for conferences/certification courses/courses related to therapeutic recreation, access to newsletters/journals/articles related to therapeutic recreation etc. You will also gain exposure with other professionals like therapists, health care workers and scientists who are involved in the field of therapeutic recreation - this provides an excellent opportunity for networking and making new contacts.

The CTRA offers a variety of resources to its members including quarterly newsletters, scholarly journals such as the International Journal of Research and Practice in Therapeutic Recreation (IJRPT), educational materials such as the Basics of Therapeutic Recreation book series, webinars on topics related to therapeutic recreation and more.

The main purpose of the CTRA is to promote healthy lifestyles through safe recreational environments that recognize people's unique needs and abilities while encouraging personal growth. It strives for excellence in providing quality leadership that shapes policies for an improved quality of life that supports all citizens regardless of age or ability.

Yes! The CTRA offers two levels of Professional Certification which includes Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS); certification requires successful completion of an examination based on knowledge from coursework completed at an accredited university program along with supervised experience hours following graduation. The second level is called Certified Advanced Practitioner (CAP); this certification requires a minimum amount work experience/experience history within a specific area within the field; CAP certified individuals must re-certify every five years by completing approved continuing education activities.

Membership is open to any interested individual who has been involved in activities related or connected with therapeutic recreation principles and practices such as researchers, practitioners, educators, students, volunteers or those just interested in learning more about therapeutic recreation and its potential implications in health promotion.

Yes - Annual fees vary depending on your category (Student Member $55; Full Member $80; Retired Professional Member $45). Membership renewal occurs annually at promotional pricing ($30 Student Members; $50 Full & Retired Members). Plus applicable taxes.

Yes! Membership rates are pro-rated according to when you join throughout the year so if your membership starts July 1st then it’s prorated at 7 months rather than 12 months usually resulting in reduced fees depending on how close you are joining compared to January 1st start date. This applies for both full memberships renewals & initial registrations too!