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- The Alternative Training Program was created to provide a means for individuals outside the NADT-approved graduate programs in drama therapy to satisfy the educational requirements for the RDT (Registered Drama Therapist). Basic eligibility requirements and additional training/work experience
still must be met (refer to RDT Standards, Requirements and Procedures document for complete information.) Alternative training permits individuals to creatively design an individualized learning program that credits related work experience and training opportunities.
This training is offered through accredited academic institutions, institutes, and conferences and workshops run by RDT/BCT’s. Additional hours may also be earned through clinical supervision
by a licensed and knowledgeable supervisor or physician and/or registered creative arts or mental health/special education professional. Alternative training hours must be earned with more than one RDT/BCT and supervised by at least two different RDT’s (or an RDT and a licensed professional
in the field.)
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What are the academic requirements?
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The candidate must hold an undergraduate degree plus an M.A./M.S. or M.A./M.S. in progress in order to pursue the alternative training route to registration as a drama therapist. The masters degree can be in any academic area related to drama therapy (e.g. theatre, psychology, social work, special education, recreational therapy, nursing, etc.)
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Who are the Trainers?
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A trainer (RDT/BCT) must be a practicing drama therapist who has at least five years in RDT rank and who is actively affiliated in some area of drama therapy (e.g. academic, clinician, group therapist) and actively involved with NADT. He/she must have a broad base of experience and knowledge of the entire field of drama therapy and must submit current recommendations which support that. In addition, the trainer must have an acknowledged reputation as a skilled drama therapist in more than one area of expertise either through publication, presentations, workshops and/or other recognized contributions to the field of drama therapy.
As a trainer, this person may offer training to students in the Alternative Training Program through academic courses, workshops, or institutes. He/she may also advise, design, monitor and assess individual student programs and progress.
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How to apply?
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Individuals interested in alternative training should review the Alternative Training Handbook posted on this website to understand the program and what is required in detail. The student needs to select a primary trainer (RDT/BCT) aand contract wtih him/her to design an Alternative Training Contract. Please see the list of Practicing BCTs on this website.
Then the student submits a one-time $75.00 fee along with a copy of his/her first contract and a signed Code of Ethical Principles to the NADT office, in order to formally register as an Alternative Training Student. The fee includes one free year of student membership.
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Where are Courses?
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There are many courses, workshops, and trainings held throughout the year across the country. Check the NADT website under "Events." Information can also be found in the Dramascope, the newsletter of the NADT, which is sent out by email three times a year and is archived on the Member Forum, and is regulary sent out on the Dramatherapy Listserve. You can subscribe to the dramatherapy listserve.
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What are the costs involved?
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You must be a student member of NADT throughout the time you are an Alternative Training Student ($35 per year). You must pay the initial $75 fee. Conferences, institutes, workshops and training programs have their fee structures in place and will list them in their information. There will be a supervision/consultation fee for your RDT/BCT and for internship supervision. This fee will be determined by the student and supervisor. The minimum fee for supervision has been set by the NADT Board as $25 per hour.
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Responsibilities of the Student:
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It is the student’s responsibility to select a primary trainer (RDT/BCT) who will agree to serve as such for an agreed upon fee. A formal agreement between the student and trainer must be signed and returned to the NADT office c/o the Chair of the Education Committee.
The student will consult with the trainer to design a program of study that satisfies the core curriculum requirements. Additional course work in his/her particular area of specialization may be recommended.
It is the student’s responsibility to check the status of the drama therapists with whom he/she studies. The student must take course work with at least one additional trainer (RDT/BCT) in addition to the primary trainer. It may be possible to receive training hours for work in other Creative Arts Therapies if applied for before the fact.
The student will be required to fulfill an 800-hour internship (minimum 300 hours direct client contact, minimum 30 hours supervision, maximum 470 indirect service hours) under the supervision of a trainer who is an RDT, a credentialed creative arts therapist, or a credentialed mental health professional. The procurement of the position will be the student’s responsibility on advice and approval of the primary trainer.
The student must remain a member of the NADT for the duration of his/her alternative training. After alternative training is complete and the person is working on the 1,000 hours of professional drama therapy experience, he/she must remain a regular member of NADT. (Requirements for registration state that the applicant must have been a member of NADT for at least a year prior to application!)
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Responsibilities of the Trainer:
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The primary trainer will meet with the student to plan the individualized program and set up the course work.
Once an RDT/BCT has agreed to serve as a student’s primary trainer, he/she will be responsible to the NADT Trainer Review Committee.
The trainer may offer specialized and generalized training. He/she will recommend other trainers, master teachers, courses, workshops and institutes for the student.
The trainer is responsible for providing supervision, which may occur in the course work, research papers, field work and internship. Internship supervision may also be done by an RDT, credentialed creative arts therapist or credentialed mental health professional. Trainers who supervise Alternative Training students will be compensated by the student at a rate which is equitable and consistent with the field.
Documentation of all coursework and internship must be maintained by the BCT and may be reviewed by the Education Committee. The BCT will access the student's work on an on-going basis to determine if the training contract should be continued when the learning contract is reviewed at the required yearly interval. Trainers, in consultation with the student, will be responsible for arranging an on-site evaluation of the student’s work.
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Coursework
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CourseWork: (24 credit hours in drama therapy)
Core Required Drama Therapy Courses:
Creative Dramatics (3 credit hours)
Introduction to Drama Therapy (3 credit hours)
Drama Therapy with Special Populations (3 credit hours)
Psychodrama or Sociodrama (3 credit hours)
Creative Arts Therapy (3 credit hours)
Ethics and Professionalism in Drama Therapy (3 credit hours) (if taken as a psychology
course, an advanced drama therapy elective is required instead)
Research in Drama Therapy (3 credit hours) (if taken as a psychology or social science
course, an advanced drama therapy elective is required instead)
Plus 3-9 credit hours of Advanced Drama Therapy Electives to equal 24 credit hours)
Core Required Psychology Courses (12-18 credit hours)
Developmental psychology,
Abnormal psychology or Psychopathology
Theories of Personality
Group Process, Group Dynamics or An Advanced Group Counseling course to be determined with BCT.
The 3 credit hour requirements in Ethics and Research may be taken in drama therapy or in mental health.
A course in Multicultural Counseling (in drama therapy or psychology) is highly recommended.
 Upon completion of the Alternative Training Program, other basic and additional training/work experience requirements must be met to qualify as a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT).
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