Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (DRCTI)
The Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (DRCTI) was established by Dolphin Research Center (DRC) in 2012 in response to the limited availability of licensed professional educational programs that prepare individuals for careers regarding the behavior, care, and training of marine mammals.
Dolphin Research Center
Adult Educational Programs
Dolphin Research Center offers many ways, including swimming with dolphins, where you can interact with our animal family.
Professional Animal Trainer Certicificate Program (PAT)
Professional-level training focused specifically on animal training and behavior.
A continuing education opportunity designed for current animal care professionals looking to expand their knowledge and refine their training skills. This online program explores advanced topics in animal behavior, positive reinforcement, and training techniques, with an optional hands-on in-person experience at Dolphin Research Center.
While the program’s focus is marine mammals, the courses offered can be applied for trainers who work with either marine or terrestrial animals.
Adult DolphinLab
An immersive, short-term learning experience for adults interested in dolphins, marine mammal science, behavior, care, and conservation.
An immersive educational experience designed for adults who want to learn more about dolphins, marine mammal behavior, care, research, and conservation. Adult DolphinLab combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences at Dolphin Research Center, giving participants the opportunity to explore what it takes to care for and study dolphins while learning directly from DRC professionals. The program is ideal for adults with a strong interest in marine mammals, whether they are exploring a potential career, expanding their knowledge, or simply looking for a deeper connection to these remarkable animals.
Dolphin Academy (DA)
An intensive, hands-on program for students seeking deeper experience and preparation for careers involving marine mammals.
An immersive, hands-on learning experience for aspiring marine mammal professionals. Students learn directly from Dolphin Research Center’s animal care team about dolphin behavior, positive reinforcement training, husbandry, and the science behind building meaningful relationships with animals.
Students of this program will have experienced online classroom instruction as well as the hands-on experience that most animal care organizations and facilities value in job candidates.
Dolphin Research Center
DRC is a not for profit organization that is home to a family of marine mammals. Our animal family lives in natural lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. A fully accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) as well as an organizational member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA), the facility is open to the public and welcomes more than 75,000 visitors each year.
DRC was co-founded by Jayne and Mandy Rodriguez with the idea of educating and inspiring people for the benefit of marine mammals and the environment we share. Their core ideal of creating strong relationships between marine mammals and people, based on trust and respect, remains strong today. Whether it is a guest visiting DRC for an interactive program, or a staff member nurturing sincere friendships with the marine mammals they care for, the relationship and sense of partnership between marine mammals and people is a treasured part of the equation.
Based on this foundation, DRC has become a leader in animal care and training techniques, including world-renowned, innovative husbandry, research, and interactive programming.
Contact the Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (DRCTI)
DRC Training Institute
c/o Dolphin Research Center
58901 Overseas Highway
Grassy Key, FL 33050
Phone: (305)289-1121 ext 215
Email: drcti@dolphins.org