Professional Member Category Changes
Effective April 1, 2026

With strong support from membership, including 97% approval of the new bylaws at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, BCTRA has introduced updated membership categories, BCTRA will implement the updated membership structure effective April 1, 2026. As part of this transition, the Professional Member category will become the Recreation Therapist category.

These updates strengthen professional identity, align terminology more closely with other allied health professions, and better position BCTRA in its advocacy efforts related to professional regulation in British Columbia. The new bylaws are available here.

Consistent with the commitments made to members during the bylaw review process, any individual who has ever been recognized as a BCTRA Professional Member will remain eligible under the Recreation Therapist category following the transition.

Recreation Therapist Pathways – Effective April 1, 2026

Beginning April 1, 2026, the Professional Member category will transition to the Recreation Therapist category.

Eligibility will be as follows:

  • Individuals who previously held BCTRA Professional Member status at any time and who do not hold the CTRS® credential remain eligible for Recreation Therapist membership.
  • All new applicants who have never previously held BCTRA Professional Member status and who apply on or after April 1, 2026 will be required to hold the CTRS® credential to be eligible for the Recreation Therapist category.

Professional Member Category Changes
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is BCTRA Changing The Membership Category Titles?

The updated membership categories strengthen professional identity for Recreation Therapists and Recreation Therapy Assistants in British Columbia, align terminology with other allied health professions, and better position BCTRA in its advocacy efforts related to professional regulation.

Will the Membership Category changes impact how employers hire Recreation Therapists and Recreation Therapy Assistants in BC?

No. BCTRA is a professional association. Employers maintain authority over job titles, job descriptions, and the minimum qualifications required for a given position. The membership category updates do not alter employer hiring practices or employment requirements.

BCTRA membership categories reflect professional standards and qualifications recognized by the association and are intended to support clarity in the profession. Employers may reference BCTRA membership or the CTRS® credential when establishing role expectations; however, hiring decisions remain at the discretion of the employer.

Do I need the CTRS® credential to be a Recreation Therapist member after April 1, 2026?

It depends. If you have ever held BCTRA Professional Member status, you will remain eligible under the Recreation Therapist membership category after April 1, 2026 whether you hold the CTRS® credential or not.

New applicants who have never previously held Professional Member status with BCTRA will be required to hold the CTRS® credential to be eligible for Recreation Therapist membership in British Columbia.

I’m Currently a Professional Member. What happens on April 1, 2026?

Effective April 1, 2026, the Professional Member category will transition to the Recreation Therapist membership category. You will automatically be moved into this category, and no additional application will be required to maintain your BCTRA membership.

I was a Professional Member in the past but I’m not currently active. Am I still eligible?

Yes. Any individual who has previously held BCTRA Professional Member status remains eligible under the Recreation Therapist membership category following the transition.

I am working as a Recreation Therapist in BC but have never been a BCTRA member. Can I apply?

Yes, but eligibility depends on when you apply. Applications submitted on or before March 31, 2026 will be assessed under the Professional Member pathways currently in effect. Applications submitted on or after April 1, 2026 by individuals who have never previously held BCTRA Professional Member status will require the CTRS® credential to be eligible for Recreation Therapist membership in British Columbia.

I want to apply as a recreation Therapist before April 1, 2026. Which criteria apply?

Applications submitted on or before March 31, 2026 will be assessed under the Professional Member pathways currently in effect. If you qualify under the current pathways and wish to apply under that framework, you must submit your BCTRA membership application before the March 31, 2026 deadline.

I hold the CTRS® credential but have never been a BCTRA member. Am I eligible?

Yes. Individuals who hold the CTRS® credential and reside in British Columbia may apply for Recreation Therapist membership through the Recreation Therapist – CTRS pathway. If you hold the CTRS® credential but reside outside of British Columbia, you should apply under the Affiliate membership category.

The Affiliate category is not available to individuals who reside in British Columbia and meet eligibility requirements for Recreation Therapist or Recreation Therapy Assistant membership.

I don’t live in BC. Can I still join BCTRA?

Yes. Individuals who reside outside of British Columbia may join BCTRA under the Affiliate membership category. Affiliate membership is also available to individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements for the Recreation Therapist category.

The Affiliate category is not available to individuals who reside in British Columbia and meet eligibility requirements for Recreation Therapist or Recreation Therapy Assistant membership.

  • For questions related to membership categories and eligibility, please email:
     membership@bctra.org