Welcome to NCBRTL

Office Hours Mon-Thurs 

8:30-4:30

(336) 212-1133

 

NCBRTL Board Vacancies – Public Member Positions Available

The North Carolina Board of Recreation Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL) is seeking two dedicated Public Members to join our Board in June 2025. These individuals will be appointed by the President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House.

Public Members play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the Board and upholding the North Carolina Recreational Therapy Licensure Act (Chapter 90C). Eligible candidates must not be affiliated with health care professions and should reflect the diversity of our state. At least one Public Member must have received recreational therapy services.

If you or someone you know is passionate about making a difference in Recreational Therapy, please contact Executive Director Joan Sutton at joan@ncbrtl.org or 336-212-1133 to learn more.

  
 

Joan L. Sutton, MS, LRT, CTRS, CDP, FDRT
NCBRTL, Executive Director
PO Box 2655
Durham, NC 27715
Joan@ncbrtl.org

 

 

   


History

Prior to the current amendment, in 1987, the Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board was created for consumer protection. The original act offered title protection so individuals using "TRS" or "Therapeutic Recreation Specialist" were required to be certified by the Board. Many agencies did not use the title which allowed non-qualified people to practice recreational therapy. In Oct, 2005 an amendment was enacted to the Recreational Therapy Licensure Act, requiring individuals practicing recreational therapy in accordance with the professional standards of practice be licensed regardless of their job title. Recreational Therapists and Recreational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina must be licensed by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy (NCBRTL).

 

Purpose

To aid in the insurance of public protection, Chapter 90C requires individuals  meet minimal established requirements set forth by Administrative Rules and their application be reviewed by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL).  NCBRTL welcomes all out of state as well as NC residents to seek a license.  All applicants must submit an application, meet established educational requirements and be reviewed and approved by the Board prior to practicing in NC. All  CTRSs must complete the entire application process. NCBRTL reviews applications during the last week of each month.

 

compliance

NCBRTLs commitment to best practices requires practitioners stay current with healthcare practices through continuing education.  All licensees are required to maintain current contact with NCBRTL through Maintenance Applications,  Renewal and Continuing Education submissions. Renewal  and Continuing education documents are reviewed every two years .  Content must be linked to the NCTRC Job Analysis.   Licensees are expected to comply with professional code of ethics and report any disciplinary infractions or possible unsafe recreational therapy practice to NCBRTL.