SCAS Society for Companion Animal Studies

Introduction to Animal-Assisted Interventions

Throughout 2012

• Apply now for Spring intake (starting 30th April 2012 - places limited)
• Register your interest in attending

The highly anticipated Introduction to Animal-Assisted Interventions course has now been developed as an introduction to the key concepts underlying animal-assisted interventions (AAI).  

The course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the therapeutic potential of companion animals and is looking to increase their knowledge base in the subject and may not yet be currently practising in AAI.

The course will help you to identify further skills required in order to practise AAI.

Course content

The course is made up of four units, each taking approximately six hours to complete. The units are:

1. The development of AAI

• Definitions
• Historical development of AAI
• Key organisations
• The benefits of AAI
• The different types of AAI 

2.  The principles and practice of AAI

• The range of models and activities in which AAI may be applied
• A multi-disciplinary approach
• Key considerations in programme planning

3. Clients and animal selection

• Appropriate species choice; selecting individual animals; temperatment testing
• Client suitability, needs and evaluation
• Matching clients and animals
  

 4. Care, welfare and safe practice

• Safe practice and welfare 
• Ethical, legal and moral aspects
• Minimising risk: risk assessments; zoonoses; fears, phobias and allergies

Delivery and assessment

The course is completed by distance learning, using a mixture of readings, interactive exercises and assignments that are accessed via an online learning area.  Activities will include group discussions that you will be required to participate in and will form part of your assessment. It will be tutor-supported and learners will have access to materials and support online.

Please be aware that there is no "offline" alternative for this course.  Those applying should ensure that they have easy access to an Internet enabled computer with an up-to-date Internet browser.  Further details on technical requirements can be found HERE.

Course progression

Students who successfully complete this course may wish to go on to the SCAS course Companion Animal Interventions in Therapeutic Practice.

Costs

Course fees: £250

SCAS members will also receive a book worth over £40* (click here for more details about this member benefit)

Dates

First intake: Monday 9th January 2012 (FULL - applications closed)

Second intake: Monday 30th April 2012  (Applications open now)

Third intake: Monday 3rd September 2012  (Applications opening soon)

To Apply

Applications for the second intake, April 2012 are now open. Please be aware that places are limited to 20 and interest in this course is high, therefore it is likely that not all applications will be succesful on each intake. You will be notified within one week if you have been allocated a place.

• Apply now for Spring intake (30th April 2012)

If you have not already expressed an interest in this course and would like to be kept up to date please register your interest HERE.