What is DT Education?

Education is fundamental to the Diversional Therapist, its education and experience that makes for the proficient therapist practitioner. Diversional Therapists who have reach a certain level of experience and qualification are eligible for registration with the NZSDT.

The following sites give some idea to the career and education available in Diversional Therapy. Membership of the NZSDT also provides opportunities for training and development through access to resources and experience needed to gain the skills to achieve registration as professional DT.

Details from the Careers Service of NZ for Diversional Therapy

Details from Career Force (CSSITO Industry training)

Details from the NZQA - Diversional Therapy

Qualification versus on-going learning package

There seems to have been some confusion around the Diversional Therapy qualification and the on-going learning package provided through Otago Polytechnic.

There is only one qualification that is recognised through NZQA for Diversional Therapists, and this is the National Certificate in Diversional Therapy. It currently sits at level four on the qualification scale. It can be accessed through Careerforce and is currently provided through Motivation Therapy Ltd and Links Ltd. This is the qualification that is recognised when applying for Registration. It is also the qualification that is recognised nation wide and usually recognised by employers as part of the career pathway.

All responsible activity staff need to access on-going education to keep their knowledge current, and to provide new ideas, that they can use with their clients. It is also necessary to prove on-going education to keep current registration. The package offered by Otago Polytechnic is one that provides this. It certainly has a place in the education of Diversional Therapists but it does not provide a qualification and is not NZQA recognised.

It is important to recognise the difference between the two packages so you can make an informed decision on what you want your education to provide for you.

Mary Gracie
President