Welcome to NCBRTL

Office Hours Mon-Thurs 

8:30-4:30

(336) 212-1133

Congratulations to Our New Graduates!

The North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL) would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students graduating this semester with degrees in recreational therapy and related fields!

This is an exciting milestone and the beginning of your professional journey. As you transition from student to practitioner, we encourage you to take the next steps toward becoming a Licensed Recreational Therapist (LRT) or Licensed Recreational Therapy Assistant (LRTA) in North Carolina.

Licensure is an important and required part of professional practice in NC and helps ensure that recreational therapy services are delivered safely, ethically, and in alignment with established standards of practice. As you prepare, it is also important to understand the distinction between state licensure (LRT/LRTA) and national certification (CTRS through NCTRC)—both play valuable, but different, roles in your professional development.

Getting Started with Licensure

New graduates can begin the application process by visiting our website and reviewing the requirements.

We’re Here to Help

We understand that this process can feel new, and we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about licensure, applications, or requirements, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Once again, congratulations on your achievement—we look forward to welcoming you into the profession as licensed recreational therapists or licensed recreational therapy assistant in North Carolina!

– NCBRTL Board


Board Contact Information: 

Joan L. Sutton, MS, LRT, CTRS, CDP, FDRT

Executive Director

NC Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure

PO Box 265

Davidson, NC 28036-9721

336 212-1133

     
 
  

 

   


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.