College Coursework and Skills Valued for Employment in the Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies Field.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	College Coursework and Skills Valued for Employment in the Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies Field.
Authors:	Burk, Steffanie V.¹ sburk@otterbein.edu, Gramlich, Courtney E.² courtney.gramlich@sru.edu
Source:	NACTA Journal. Mar2018, Vol. 62 Issue 1, p16-22. 7p.
Subject Terms:	Universities & colleges, Higher education, Economics education, Continuing education, *Curriculum
Abstract:	Growth in the equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) field has prompted many universities to offer EAAT curriculum. This study examined employment at EAAT centers, skills valued for management or instructor positions, and topics valued within higher education curricula. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International center management from 108 centers completed an electronic survey. The majority (72%) of centers employed at least one fulltime staff member, and 46% offered health benefits to all full-time staff. At 62% of centers, mean full-time management salaries were ranged from $30,000-$49,000. During the year prior to the survey, 30% of respondents hired a new full-time employee, while 74% of respondents hired a new part-time employee. Oral communication skills, teamwork abilities, work ethic, and personality were highly rated considerations for management and instructor positions. Only 42% agreed or strongly agreed that having a bachelor's degree was a major consideration when hiring a new employee for a management position. Knowledge of disabilities, basic horse handling skills, and teaching techniques were the most highly rated topics for bachelor's level curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	Growth in the equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) field has prompted many universities to offer EAAT curriculum. This study examined employment at EAAT centers, skills valued for management or instructor positions, and topics valued within higher education curricula. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International center management from 108 centers completed an electronic survey. The majority (72%) of centers employed at least one fulltime staff member, and 46% offered health benefits to all full-time staff. At 62% of centers, mean full-time management salaries were ranged from $30,000-$49,000. During the year prior to the survey, 30% of respondents hired a new full-time employee, while 74% of respondents hired a new part-time employee. Oral communication skills, teamwork abilities, work ethic, and personality were highly rated considerations for management and instructor positions. Only 42% agreed or strongly agreed that having a bachelor's degree was a major consideration when hiring a new employee for a management position. Knowledge of disabilities, basic horse handling skills, and teaching techniques were the most highly rated topics for bachelor's level curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	01494910