National Course Recognition

In May 2006 The Diversional Therapy Association of Australia National Council (DTAANC) 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 emphasises 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; and,
• 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 DTAANC nationally, recognised courses.

Further information:

The above documents provide links to documents that will support you in applying for course recognition.

Diversional Therapy Association of Australia National Council (DTAANC) membership levels

There are currently three levels of membership governed by the following nationally agreed criteria. It is important to recognise that individual membership is to the state Diversional Therapy association in which the student/professional resides. Course recognition is a national recognition of the DTAANC.

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 the DTAANC as satisfying Level 1 National Minimum Course Standards will, on application, be granted automatic Level 1 membership by the DTA in their State or Territory.

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 programs; 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 DTAANC as satisfying Level 2 National Minimum Course Standards will on application, be granted automatic Level 2 membership by the DTA in their State or Territory.

Level 3

Students of any course formally recognised by the DTAANC are eligible for Level 3 membership of the DTA in their State or Territory.