About the Online Therapeutic Recreation Graduate Certificate Program
SUNY Cortland’s Therapeutic Recreation Certificate is designed for professionals and graduate students looking to expand their skills in therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy. The fully online graduate-level certificate helps students build expertise in using recreation and leisure to support health, wellness and quality of life for individuals with illnesses and disabling conditions.
The program is especially valuable for professionals pursuing national certification in therapeutic recreation, individuals working in related recreation fields and graduate students seeking specialized coursework. Coursework is structured around nationally recognized therapeutic recreation competencies and emphasizes assessment, program planning, intervention techniques and service administration.
Online Coursework
The Therapeutic Recreation Certificate is offered 100% online, providing flexibility for working professionals, career changers and students balancing personal and professional commitments.
Students can complete the full certificate or enroll in individual courses for continuing education or professional development. Credits earned in the certificate may also be applied toward SUNY Cortland’s master’s degree in Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation for students who wish to continue their graduate studies.
Prepare for National Council for Therapeutic Recreation NCTR Certification
This graduate certificate program is designed to meet the therapeutic recreation academic requirements that you will need to take the national exam with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). NCTRC is the nationally recognized credentialing organization for the profession of therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is the most qualified professional to provide programs and services.
Learn more about requirements for national certification at NCTRC or explore the profile of a CTRS (PDF), including work settings, salary ranges and types of people served.
