Dolphin Research Center Training Institute
Dolphin Academy Program
2023 Application Period is OPEN!
2023 Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
Online Class Begins September 18, 2023
One mission of Dolphin Research Center is to teach our relationship based training style to those entering the animal training field. No previous animal training is required, but it is helpful. In our Dolphin Academy program, we work with small groups of students on-site - no more than 6 per class. This ensures students maximum dolphin time and focus of the trainers/instructors.
Attending the Dolphin Academy, you have the opportunity to:
This is an intensive immersion program requiring students to participate in programming exceeding 10 hours a day during the onsite portion of the program. Students will be working with a team of marine mammal care and training specialists caring for and actively training marine mammals in a non-profit, educational facility that is open to the public. Graduates of this program will have experienced online classroom instruction as well as the hands-on experience that most zoos, aquariums, rescue facilities, sanctuaries, etc. value in job candidates.
Furthering Relationships and Enrichment
Basic Behavior Modification and Training
Public Speaking and Controversy of Animals in Professional Care
Physiology
Online Portion:
Start Date: September 18, 2023
The online portion must be completed to be eligible to participate in the onsite portion.
Online class are at your own pace and schedule.
Onsite Portion:
December 3 - December 9, 2023
OR
December 10 - December 16, 2023
The deadline to apply for the 2023 session: September 1, 2023
You must submit a completed application, fees, and all required documents by the deadlines outlined in the application to qualify to attend.
Once the completed application is submitted, email credit card authorization form for non-refundable deposit to drcti@dolphins.org to reserve your spot.
Minimum age: 18 years old
International students are eligible
If you are a team member of a facility/organization that would like to schedule a group class please email drcti@dolphins.org prior to completing any paperwork.
All students are expected to maintain the highest personal and ethical standards of conduct consistent with the professional effort expected by DRCTI faculty and all personnel at Dolphin Research Center. These standards are outlined below. Any information indicating that such standards are not being maintained will be reviewed by faculty and may result in student dismissal by the administration.
All students must meet attendance requirements as defined by program policy or guidelines. Absences must be planned and coordinated in advance with the program director. Programming can exceed 10 hours a day during the onsite portion of the program. As this program includes participation in the operation of a marine mammal facility that is open to the public, appropriate behavior is expected. Due to the nature of a facility that cares for live animals, students are expected to be understanding and flexible in scheduling.
All students will be expected to:
All students should be able to:
All students should demonstrate the ability to:
All students will be expected to demonstrate personal integrity in all matters including:
All students should show the ability to:
Program Specific Performance Standards
In addition to DRCTI’s ‘General Student Performance Standards’, the following program-specific performance standards apply:
Mobility: Without assistance, sufficient to rapidly walk the span of Dolphin Research Center without interruption, run and swim distances of 50 yards, easily maneuver on and off floating/moving platforms without assistance, maneuver in tight spaces while manipulating overhead objects, work outdoors in both intense sun and heat as well as under rainy and cold conditions. Students are required to participate in the cleaning of coolers and other materials related to animal care.
Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective animal care, including without assistance, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and maneuver non-motorized rolling carts carrying up to 60 lbs. over the entire span of the facility (approximately 230 yards) without interruption.
Hearing: Ability sufficient to monitor human communication, auditory training bridges and animal vocalizations and behavior across large distances (half the length of the facility animal habitats combined).
Visual: Ability sufficient for observation and visual assessment of animals, humans, and habitats in extreme high light (intense sun) and low light situations, both indoors and outdoors. Students must see well at a distance of 90 feet or more. This is in accordance with human and animal safety issues and observational needs.
Swimming: Ability to swim comfortably at the surface for a minimum of 5 minutes, tread water for a minimum of 10 minutes, distance swim at least 200 meters, hold breath for at least 30 seconds, retrieve a dive ring from approximately 8-10 feet deep, and haul out of the water onto a floating dock without assistance.
Each student is responsible for his or her own transportation and travel expenses.
The DRCTI Student Residence provides housing for up to six students throughout the duration of the onsite portion of the Dolphin Academy program. Student Residence bedrooms are shared with two to three students per room. One private bedroom is also available. The shared bedrooms are composed of either bunk or loft beds. All bedrooms will have desks and clothing drawer space. Closet space is also available. Two full bathrooms in the residence are communal. The Student Residence has a full kitchen, dining area, living room, study room, and laundry facilities. Housing costs include: washer and dryer, water, electric, cable, internet service, and building maintenance services. Bed linens will be provided but students will be responsible for providing their own towels, blankets, and pillows. Room selection is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, while the Student Residence is considered co-ed, bedrooms within the residence are not. Therefore, DRCTI reserves the right to determine the best configuration so co-ed habitation of the bedrooms is avoided.
Deposit |
$200
|
(Non-refundable) |
Tuition Balance(includes Housing, Shirt, Lunches & Snacks, Photo Package, Materials) | $3,699 | (Online & Onsite - Refer to Cancellation and Refund Policy) |
Total Program Price | $3,899 |
Other costs incurred by students may include but are not limited to travel, food, personal supplies, and other living expenses.
Download the credit card authorization form online. Email completed form to drcti@dolphins.org. Please submit your application and remember to complete payment for the required deposit. Your space will NOT be reserved until the $200.00 non-refundable, non-transferable application fee is received.
Submit an additional credit card authorization form for the final payment. Full payment is due 30 days before the start date of the program. If the date is within 30 days of the start of the program, the balance is due immediately. Payment of the balance not received by this deadline will result in the automatic removal of the applicant from the program.
Please complete and submit your application.
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