Attend the Volunteer Training Course

About the Course

In order to assure safe, quality visits, NCTD feels it is important to have trained handlers.  While this is may be taken as a home study, it is highly recommended that you attend the in-person course.

This one day intensive training class for prospective therapy animal handlers is taught by NCTD Volunteer Instructors. The class features lecture and Power Point presentation, class discussion, role play, demonstration, and videos. It will cover topics such as therapy animal team registration requirements, different health care settings and populations, visiting tips and techniques, and managing stress and difficult situations.

When and Where

NCTD sponsors a Volunteer Training Course training in the Baltimore-Washington area approximately three times each year. The training sessions are scheduled on a Saturday or a Sunday, generally run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and are often held at the The Coventry School in Howard County, Maryland, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center in Bethesda, MD, or at the National Lutheran Home in Rockville, Maryland.

Upcoming training classes can be found on the NCTD Calendar. Early registration is appreciated.

Fee

The fee is for the course is $65.00. The fee includes the Team Training Manual, which you will receive on the first day of training.

Additional Notes:

• This course requires pre-registration
• Sorry, No Dogs Allowed during Volunteer Training.
• Dress comfortably.
• Light refreshments and/or lunch will be provided, depending on class times.
• A minimum of 10 people are required to offer Volunteer Training.  Class size is limited to 15 people.
• Registrations are acceptable up to one week before class is held.
• Monies must be received prior to attending class.
• Please be respectful with beepers and cell phones.
• If you must bring a child, please supervise him/her accordingly.
• The training facilities is accessible for those who have disabilities. If you have any special needs, please advise NCTD ahead of time.
• Financial Assistance is available via the "Gandalf Fund". Individuals requesting assistance are to write a letter to the NCTD Board for review. Forward letters with your training/screening application.
• Training sessions can be rescheduled in the event you are unable to attend session as scheduled. However, you should plan to attend on two consecutive weeks.
• Refunds will be made for extenuating circumstances; there will be a 20% surcharge for processing refunds.

Register Now for the Volunteer Training

Click on Registration Form, fill it out, print it, and mail your completed Registration Form to: