Empowering Recreational Therapists



The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the only national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists.

About ATRA

ATRA Membership

  • Signifies commitment to professional excellence
  • Is an ongoing act of professional advocacy
  • Elevates your recreational therapy practice
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Advocacy

ATRA advocates for the recognition and inclusion of RT at the federal level, provides advocacy updates, and offers a variety of actionable tools and resources for professional advocacy.

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Education

ATRA upholds the highest standards for continuing education quality and innovation and offers dynamic in-person, virtual, and on-demand continuing education opportunities for RTs.

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Community

Networking is a powerful tool. ATRA members enjoy access to ATRA’s exclusive conversation platform, ATRA Connect, where RTs can connect and discuss topics that matter to them.

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ATRA QUICK LINKS

There's So Much to Explore

And we're so glad that you're here!


  • Advocacy

    ATRA advocates for you! ATRA is devoted to promoting and supporting the recreational therapy profession through our strategic advocacy efforts, which ensure that lawmakers and other influential organizations are aware of recreational therapy’s vital services. Learn more and get involved!    

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  • Continuing Education

    Explore ATRA's many innovative and convenient continuing education opportunities! From individual webinars to virtual Summits to in-person conferences and beyond, ATRA offers high quality, evidence-based learning opportunities for recreational therapists that will advance and elevate your practice. Start learning now!    

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  • Membership Benefits

    ATRA membership is an investment in your practice. Whether you are seeking Community, Empowerment, Education, Professional Development, or Advocacy, ATRA membership offers connections and opportunities that will help elevate your career and advance the profession. Become an ATRA member!    

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  • Publications

    ATRA knows that professional development is vitally important to you, your clients, and the profession. Members enjoy free and easy access to scholarly journals, including The Therapeutic Recreation Journal, and discounts on recreational therapy publications and texts!    


      ATRA publications include:    

  • Get Involved

    Volunteering with an ATRA committee is your chance to shape the future of recreational therapy, connect with passionate professionals, and grow your leadership skills. Answer the call, get involved!    

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ATRA Connect is an exclusive conversation platform for ATRA members to share ideas and engage with peers, fostering collaboration and professional growth. ATRA Connect hosts a variety of online groups, including the ATRA Member Forum and Special Interest Groups, where members can connect on specific topics.

Follow ATRA

Did you know ATRA is on Social Media? Follow @ATRAinAction to stay up-to-date on ATRA's Educational Offerings, Advocacy Updates, and issues that impact your important work as a Recreational Therapist.

ATRA Announcements

SAVE THE DATE

2026 ATRA Annual Conference

Brea, Orange County, California

October 17 - 19, 2026

featured learning opportunity

Advance Your Practice Summit

This virtual event is designed for recreational therapists and professionals in related fields who are eager to deepen their clinical understanding of loneliness and social disconnection and want to advance their leadership on this crucial issue within their workplace and/or community. Watch pre-recorded sessions at your own pace and tune in for live and interactive events throughout the Summit.

14 CEU Hours  |   Pre-Recorded & Live Virtual Events  |   January 12 - February 7, 2026

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ATRA Scope of Practice

The ATRA Scope of Practice Task Force is pleased to share an update on the extensive work presented at ATRA San Antonio. Please review the presentation slides, and if you have feedback or ideas, we encourage you to complete the feedback survey.


To clarify, the Scope of Practice is not the same as the Standards of Practice. Our Task Force is not editing, revising, or altering the ATRA Standards of Practice in any way. As shown in slides 3–7, there are distinct and important differences between these two documents.


Please provide feedback by Friday, November 14th.


ATRA Scope of Practice Presentation Slides

ATRA Scope of Practice Feedback Survey Link

A NEW WAY TO LEARN

You’ve never experienced online learning like this before! ATRA Intensives take you to the cutting-edge of virtual learning with richly concentrated, interactive educational content. Special launch rate until 12/1.

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CONGrATULATIONS!

ATRA Distinguished Fellow Award 2025

Dr. Tim Passmore
Oklahoma State University

2025 Award Recipients

Join Us for An Upcoming Event

In addition to a variety of on-demand learning programs, ATRA offers live events and engagement opportunities.


We welcome you to jump in.



Ready to Join ATRA?

The benefits of ATRA membership are endless! ATRA members enjoy discounted rates for educational offerings, opportunities for service and professional development, and so much more.

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