Apply for this category if you meet one or more of the following requirements:

• Applicant is enrolled in a diploma, degree or post degree program in therapeutic recreation, recreation therapy, recreation, and leisure studies (emphasis / minor in therapeutic recreation) to meet ATRA Entry to Practice criteria.
• Applicant is not currently nor have previously been approved for professional membership.

Apply for this category if you have wish to support the objectives of the TR profession, but are not formally educated or employed in TR.

Apply for this category if you are currently a Professional Member and meet the following requirements:

• Retiring from practice within the membership year (If you continue to work casually, please retain your professional or supporting membership).
• Moved from Alberta but wish to maintain support for the objectives of the TR profession in Alberta.
• Do not apply for this category if you are not currently working in the TR Field but intend to return to TR employment. Your options are to renew as a Professional or Supporting Member or let your membership lapse. See information in the Return to Practice Pathway.

Apply for this category if you are a new graduate, new to ATRA, CTRS designate, currently practicing, supervising, teaching or returning to practice after a Leave of Absence (LOA) of 3 consecutive years or more and who meet academic and clinical placement requirements.

ATRA approves Professional Membership to applicants that have a diploma or degree concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. The diploma or degree program must meet specified coursework and practicum criteria.

Graduates of degree academic programs are prepared to enter practice as a Recreation Therapist.

New graduates of diploma academic programs are prepared to enter practice as a Recreation Therapist Assistant.

ATRA’s Entry-to-Practice Position Statement 

It is the position of the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) that individuals practicing in the field should meet minimum educational qualifications when entering practice. 

In a currently unregulated health profession, this position statement is intended to provide clarity to promote that professionals entering their careers are prepared to provide safe and effective interventions for clients, residents, or patients. ATRA recognizes that in an unregulated profession, an employer decides on the qualifications of a new hire, but may seek the guidance of a professional association for discipline-specific information.

As such, ATRA maintains that those entering practice:

• as a recreation therapist should have a degree concentration in therapeutic recreation, meeting specified coursework and practicum criteria; and

• as a recreation therapy assistant should have a diploma, meeting specified therapeutic recreation coursework and practicum criteria.

While it is not a requirement for practice as a recreation therapist in Alberta to hold the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), ATRA recognizes that the number of members with CTRS designation is growing, and this achievement towards portability across North America should be celebrated. Recognizing our CTRS professional members is also valuable for both employers and students seeking internships.

Our profession has evolved and will continue to mature in the journey towards regulation.

Therefore, we recognize that:

• Prior to our original grandfathering clause that came into effect in April 2021, graduates with diplomas and applicable clinical experience have been hired into Recreation Therapist roles throughout the province and continue to be valued professional members of ATRA.

In 2024, our professional membership categories were voted by membership to be amended as:

• Professional – Degree

• Professional – Diploma

• Professional – CTRS

As the profession evolves, we are committed to continue recognizing the value of all members and the contribution they make to the field of therapeutic recreation and those they serve.

ATRA’s Commitment:

ATRA is committed to supporting our membership, as well as educating potential employers and the public about our Entry-to-Practice Position Statement and our journey to health regulation. Please address any questions to: ATRA@alberta-tr.ca