Course Recognition
National Course Recognition
In May 2006, The Diversional Therapy Association of Australia National Council (DTAANC), now Diversional Therapy Australia, ratified its new national course recognition process. This process is based on a set of National Minimum Course Standards developed by the DTAANC Education Advisory Committee following extensive consultation with industry, the profession and course providers over a period of nearly five years.
The DTAANC, in setting these standards, emphasised that they are designed to ensure that the education of Diversional Therapists reaches at least the minimum level considered essential:
- For the provision of basic Diversional Therapy services to clients
- To meet contemporary needs of industry, including meeting legislative requirements
- To ensure advances in Diversional Therapy practice are understood and implemented
- To further the ongoing development of the Diversional Therapy profession
These National Minimum Course Standards are related to the three Diversional Therapy Association levels of membership: Level 1 membership, which allows members to work and be recognized as a Diversional Therapist; Level 2 membership designed for practitioners working as Diversional Therapy assistants and recreational activities officers; and, Level 3 membership, which is open to students of DTA nationally recognised courses (these are all at university level).
Further information
DTAANC National Course Recognition
DTAANC National Course Minimum Standards
These documents can be downloaded from the publications page and will assist you in applying for course recognition.
Diversional Therapy Australia Membership
There are currently three levels of membership governed by the following nationally agreed criteria. Individual membership is to the National Body. Course recognition is a national recognition of the DTAANC.
Full Member
Level 1
Professionals in the Diversional Therapy field working as Diversional Therapists, Diversional Therapy Coordinators and associated leadership roles who have satisfied Level 1 membership criteria are eligible for Level 1 membership. Generally the roles of Level 1 Diversional Therapy professionals include management and co-ordination of a Diversional Therapy department, leading teams of Diversional Therapy staff, undertaking comprehensive client assessment, developing individualised program plans with specific client goals, evaluating individual plans, activity plans and the Diversional Therapy program, initiating and leading continuous quality improvement, developing and evaluating leisure education programs.
Professionals who have satisfactorily completed a Diversional Therapy course formally recognised by DTA as satisfying Level 1 National Minimum Course Standards will, on application, be granted automatic Level 1 membership.
Level 2
Practitioners in the Diversional Therapy field working as Recreation and Activity Officers, Lifestyle and Leisure Coordinators, Diversional Therapy Assistants and associated roles who have satisfied Level 2 membership criteria are eligible for Level 2 membership. Generally, the roles of Level 2 Diversional Therapy professionals include working with clients with specific needs to plan, facilitate and evaluate individual and group leisure and recreation program, collect data on clients’ leisure and recreational needs, abilities and limitations and complete associated documentation.
Professionals who have satisfactorily completed a Diversional Therapy course formally recognised by the DTA as satisfying Level 2 National Minimum Course Standards will, on application, be granted automatic Level 2 membership.
Level 3
Students of any course formally recognised by the DTA (these are university standard courses) are eligible for Level 3 membership.
Associate Member
The board may, at any time, admit as an Associate Member of DTA any person of eminence or any person who has rendered exceptional services to the practice of Diversional Therapy or to the profession of Diversional Therapy or to DTA notwithstanding that such a person may not have the qualifications for admission as a Full Member hereinby provided.