Animal Assisted Intervention Diploma (RQF) Level 3

Animal Assisted Intervention Diploma (RQF) Level 3

Key Points

• Explore the human-animal bond and how it relates to AAI
• Learn how to recognise animals suitable for AAI therapy
• Identify the many situations where AAI therapy can help
• Ofqual regulated qualification
• Complete the course within a year
• 100% online learning

About your Diploma

The animal assisted intervention level 3 diploma explores the bond between animals and humans, and how they can support individuals with rehabilitation, disease and disabilities.

It teaches you how to recognise desirable behaviours and identify animals suitable for animal assisted intervention therapy. You’ll learn how to work with them safely in a range of environments, monitor their emotional state and manage the process so that both animals and patients gain positively from the experience.

Through specialist training, the connection between animals have with humans can support individuals with specific challenges. Becoming intuitive to the needs of people with physical disabilities, learning differences or emotional issues.

With the animal's welfare at the forefront of your training, you’ll be positioned to seek employment in animal assisted intervention and therapy, and roles that safeguard the wellbeing of therapy animals.

Either way, you’ll be eligible to work directly with animals that provide amazing and important support to humans.  

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK distance learning provider. This Animal Assisted Intervention Level 3 Diploma is recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). Meaning it meets the Animal Activity Licensing requirements needed for Animal Assisted Intervention Therapy.

It has been designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the disabilities, diseases and situations that can be supported with AAI and how to make sure animals are prepared for therapy roles. Which can help you improve your job prospects in related careers and allow you to progress onto further study.

This course is provided completely online, allowing you to learn around your existing job or family commitments. You will be assigned a personal tutor once you enrol, who will support and assist your achievement. Whether you need help with assessments, understanding particular topics or general support and encouragement.

What’s more, there are no structured classes or timetables. Enabling you to work through the online materials at a pace that works for you.

There are also flexible payment methods available and you can start learning from the moment you enrol. Start gaining the skills to work with animals in therapy today!  

Modules

The units are broken down for you here so that you can see what your qualification will include.  However, the assignments you complete have been designed so that you can complete multiple tasks together where possible and you will see a different number of assignments in your personal portfolio; you will still be completing the whole qualification.

Unit 1: Background of Animal Assisted Intervention

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the human-animal bond and how this relates to providing Animal Assisted Intervention
• Understand the history and science behind Animal Assisted Intervention
• Understand how Animal Assisted Intervention is used in practice

Unit 2: Animal Assisted Intervention in Practice

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the limits and contra-indications of providing Animal Assisted Intervention
• Understand the positive effects of Animal Assisted Intervention
• Understand how Animal Assisted Intervention is used in the rehabilitation of offenders
• Understand how Animal Assisted Therapy can be used as therapy for child and adult disease and disabilities
• Understand how Animal Assisted Intervention and Animal Assisted Therapy can be used with children and elderly

Unit 3: Responsibilities and Legal Requirements

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the legalities with regards to Animal Assisted Intervention
• Understand the safeguarding of service users/clients and AAI staff/volunteers
• Understand the various insurances related to the sector

Unit 4: Understanding Disabilities and the Benefits of Animal Assisted Intervention

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand various disabilities – both physical and mental
• Understand the key awareness of working with animals
• Understand disability awareness when working with animal
• Understand how animals may affect a client group and vice-versa

Unit 5: Welfare, Training and Identification of Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the correct selection methods for finding suitable animals
• Understand how to train animals using positive, force-free methods
• Understand the selection and training process of Animal Assisted Intervention animals
• Understand how to identify animals that are not suitable for Animal Assisted Intervention
• Understand the welfare needs of Animal Assisted Intervention animals
• Understand normal animal behaviour
• Understand how to identify and minimise stress

Unit 6: Animal Assisted Intervention Standards

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the roles of those within Animal Assisted Intervention organisations
• Understand Animal Assisted Intervention standards
• Understand the role of handler within various organisations
• Understand the assessment process for Animal Assisted Intervention volunteer dogs

Unit 7: Animal Assisted Intervention Roles and Training Sessions

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the essential additional skills needed for various Animal Assisted Intervention roles
• Understand how to organise a successful Animal Assisted Intervention session

Unit 8: Matching Clients and Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the processes of matching clients to personnel and animals
• Understand the importance and process of consent

Unit 9: Animal Assisted Intervention Practical Training and Application

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the necessary health and safety requirements in line with current legislation
• Understand how to carry out risk assessments
• Understand health and hygiene when working with animals
• Understand primary and emergency animal first aid
• Understand basic animal health checks
• Understand how to recognise the emotional state of canines
• Understand how to recognise behaviours and emotional states suitable for Animal Assisted Intervention work
• Understand how to prepare a dog for Animal Assistance Intervention work
• Understand how to apply a harness and lead using force and fear-free methods
• Understand how to assess the correct method of training for an individual dog
• Understand how to use force and fear-free methods at all times

Entry Requirements

This course is open to anyone over the age of 16.

Minimum Age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Placement or Practical required

This course includes 2 days practical training at Cheltenham Animal shelter. Minimum group size applies.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

As this course is provided through an online distance learning platform, you will complete all work and assessments from home.

There will be no exams to sit. Instead, your work will be assessed by your personal tutor through a combination of essays, long and short answer questions and research projects.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Animal Assisted Intervention Level 3 Diploma.

This Ofqual regulated qualification benefits those wanting to work or volunteer in the increasingly popular field of Animal Assisted Intervention, or other careers related to animal therapy.

It provides the underpinning knowledge and practical skills that enable students to work with animals providing Animal Assisted Interventions and Animal Assisted Therapies. And how to deliver them safely to groups and individuals with varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities and impairments.

Successful completion of this Level 3 Diploma prepares learners to work in organisations providing Animal Assisted Interventions or Animal Assisted Therapies. Or to independently provide these services directly to clients.

There are also other careers in this area that involve the care and welfare of the animals working in therapy that could be pursued.

As this course provides an equivalent to A Level qualification, students can also put it towards other relevant, higher level study.

Frequently Asked Questions