Q: Who can become an individual member of PATH International?
A: Individual membership is open to anyone who has an interest in equine-assisted services, including instructors, therapists, volunteers, researchers, and individuals with disabilities or their family members.
Q: Why should I become an individual member of PATH Intl.?
A: Becoming a PATH Intl. individual Member offers a range of opportunities and benefits that can enrich your professional journey, expand your knowledge, and make a positive impact in the equine-assisted services industry:
Professional Network: As a member, you have access to a vast network of industry professionals. This allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and collaborate on projects.
Educational Resources: PATH Intl. provides a wealth of educational resources to its members. You can access publications, research articles, webinars, and online forums that offer valuable insights and information.
Industry Standards: PATH Intl. sets industry standards for certification and accreditation. By becoming a member you gain free access to these standards, which serve as a guide for best practices in the field to help you deliver safe and effective equine-assisted services.
Professional Development: Membership in PATH Intl. provides opportunities for professional development. You can attend conferences, workshops, and events at discounted rates, allowing you to enhance your skills, learn from experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
Recognition and Credibility: Being a member of PATH Intl. enhances your professional credibility. It demonstrates your commitment to high standards and ethical practices in equine-assisted services, which can be valuable for career advancement and gaining the trust of clients, employers, and colleagues.
Community Engagement: PATH Intl. fosters a sense of community among its members. You can connect with other individuals who share your passion, exchange ideas, and find support and encouragement through the Member Connection portal.
Advocacy and Awareness: By joining PATH Intl. you can contribute to the collective voice advocating for the benefits of equine-assisted services. PATH Intl. works to raise awareness and promote the importance of equine-assisted services in improving the lives of individuals with special needs.
Q: What is the cost of PATH Intl. individual membership?
A: The cost of individual membership varies depending on the membership tier.
· Participating Membership Dues: $70 per year
· Professional Membership Dues: $100 per year
· Professional Plus Membership Dues: $190 per year
Q: What are the differences between the individual membership tiers:
A: Below are the benefits for each individual membership tier
Q: How do I become an individual member of PATH International?
A: To become an individual member, you can sign up for membership online through the PATH Intl. website, you can call the PATH Intl. office and sign up over the phone, or you can download the membership application on the PATH Intl. website and mail in your application.
Sign up online:
1. Visit the PATH Intl. website www.pathintl.org
2. On the website's main page, click on the “Join Now” button.
3. Select your desired individual membership tier.
4. Click the “Next Step” button beside the individual membership tier you are selecting.
5. You will be prompted to create an account and complete the membership application.
6. Once your application is complete you will be prompted to pay for your membership. You can pay either by credit card or by electronic check (echeck).
Q: When does my membership expire?
A: Individual memberships are valid for one year from the date of joining or renewing. You will receive renewal notices 90, 60, and 30 days before your membership expires. Members who renew before their grace period ends retain their joined-on (activated) date. If you renew after your grace period ends, you will receive a new joined-on (activated) date.
You will also receive a physical renewal notice in the mail. You can mail the renewal back to the office with a check or a credit card number.
Q: Why am I receiving emails and notifications that my membership expired if I just renewed?
A: There are a few reasons why you may still be receiving renewal notices if you have already renewed your membership.
1. If you mailed in your renewal it could still be in transit to the PATH Intl. office or if it has been received by the PATH Intl. office, it could still be in process.
2. If you renewed online, did you select to renew your membership or did you select join? If you selected join instead of renew, you now have two memberships in the system. The new one you just created and your previous membership which is expiring or expired. You will need to contact PATH Intl. membership at [email protected] to have your accounts merged.
3. Did you switch to a different membership tier when you renewed? If you chose to upgrade or downgrade your membership tier when you renewed, you will still receive renewal notices until the 90-day renewal grace period is over.
Q: How do I renew my PATH Intl. individual membership?
To renew your PATH Intl. membership online, you can follow these steps:
1. Visit the PATH Intl. website: www.pathintl.org
2. Log in to the PATH Intl. Portal
3. After logging in to the portal the “My Info” page will open. This is the portal homepage. Click on “Individual Memberships” on the left-hand side of screen.
4. Click on “Renew”.
5. Select the desired membership level and then click the “Renew” button.
You can also renew your membership via mail by completing and mailing back the PATH Intl. Membership Renewal form
If you encounter any difficulties or have specific questions about the renewal process, please call us at 800-369-7433, or email us at [email protected].
Q: Can I upgrade my individual membership to a higher tier?
A: Yes, you can upgrade your individual membership at any time to a higher tier by contacting the PATH Intl. membership department at [email protected].
Q: Do I need to be a PATH Intl. member to work at a PATH Intl. center?
A: The need for PATH Intl. membership to work at a PATH Intl. member center or Premier Accredited Center, varies depending on the specific center's policies. It is best to check with the individual center you are interested in working at to confirm their specific requirements. Being a member of PATH Intl. can demonstrate your commitment to the industry standards and best practices in equine-assisted services, which may be advantageous when seeking employment at a PATH Intl. center. Additionally, PATH Intl. membership provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development that can support your work at an equine-assisted service center.
Q: What are the membership requirements for individuals holding a PATH Intl. Certification:
A: Membership requirements for individuals holding a PATH Intl. Certification varies depending on the certification. See requirements below based on the certification.
CTRI Certification:
For those with a current CTRI certification, membership is not a requirement of maintaining any certification that you hold. This includes ESMHL, advanced, master, driving or vaulting. You may renew your membership at any of the membership tiers.
Advanced or master instructor who did NOT transitioned to CTRI:
If you are an advanced or master instructor and did NOT transition to the CTRI credential, you must renew at the Professional Membership tier to maintain your certification. You must also submit the compliance form to maintain your certification(s).
ESMHL or driving certified ONLY
If you are ESMHL or driving certified ONLY (you do not have a therapeutic riding instructor certification), you must renew at the Professional Membership tier to maintain your certification. You must also submit the compliance form to maintain your certification.
Q: Does PATH Intl. offer student memberships?
Yes, PATH Intl. does offer student memberships. However, student memberships are only available to students enrolled at a PATH Intl. Higher Education Member Institution. Click here to view the list of PATH Intl. Higher Education Member Institutions.
If you are currently enrolled at a PATH Intl. Higher Education Member Institution and are interested in a student membership, you must obtain the student membership application form from your school advisor.
If you are currently enrolled at a PATH Intl. Higher Education institution but have an individual membership instead of a student membership, you can switch to the Higher Education Student Membership pricing by emailing or calling the PATH. Intl. office.
Q: What resources and support does PATH Intl. provide to individual members?
A: PATH Intl. offers a range of resources, including an online library, research articles, webinars, and online forums. PATH Intl. membership also includes free online access to the PATH Intl. Standards for Certification and Accreditation, which serves as a guide for best practices in the field and is referenced during the CTRI Maintenance Exam.
Q: What professional development does PATH Intl. offer?
PATH Intl. offers a range of professional development opportunities for individuals involved in equine-assisted services. Some of the professional development options provided by PATH Intl. include:
Certification Programs: PATH Intl. offers certification programs for individuals seeking to become Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CRTIs), Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), Driving Instructors, and Interactive Vaulting Instructors. These programs provide comprehensive training and evaluation to ensure professionals meet the standards set by PATH Intl.
Workshops and Webinars: PATH Intl. offers workshops and webinars on various topics related to equine-assisted services. These educational offerings cover subjects such as program management, horse care, instructor skills, safety guidelines, and therapeutic techniques. Workshops and webinars are offered at different locations and online, providing flexibility for participants.
International Conference: PATH Intl. holds an International Conference every other year on odd years, where professionals, experts, and stakeholders in the field gather to exchange knowledge, present research, discuss best practices and network.
Region Conferences: Each of PATH Intl.'s 11 regions host annual or bi-annual region conferences. These regional events provide opportunities for networking, skill development, and sharing of successes and challenges that can be specific to the region.
Continuing Education: PATH Intl. encourages its members to engage in continuous learning by offering a wide range of continuing education opportunities. These include online courses, advanced certifications and specialized training programs.
Q: How can I stay updated with the latest information from PATH Intl.?
A: As an individual member, you will receive regular communications from PATH Intl., including our bi-monthly e-newsletter “eNews,” our monthly education focused e-newsletter and our award-winning quarterly magazine Strides. Important news and announcements are posted on the PATH Intl. website home page as well as on the member-only platform Member Connection. And make sure to follow PATH Intl. on our social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
Q: How do I access my PATH Intl. portal?
A: To access the PATH Intl. portal follow these steps:
1. Go to https://pathintl.my.site.com/path
2. The “login” button can be found at the top of the page in the right-hard corner.
3. Click on the button to go to the login screen.
4. You will be prompted to enter your username (your email) and password.
5. If you are a first-time user your username will be the email address you used when you signed up for membership and you will need to create a password when you login.
Q: What is my username and password?
A: Your username is your email address. If you signed up for membership on the PATH Intl. website, you would have created your password at the time of registration. If you signed up for membership by mailing in the membership form or by speaking with the PATH Intl. individual membership representative, you will receive an email prompting you to set your own password.
Q: How do I reset my password?
A: To reset your password click on “Forgot your Password”. Make sure to enter the email address that you use to log in to the portal. You will then receive an email with instructions on resetting your password.
Q: How do I update my personal information?
To edit your contact information:
1. Go to https://pathintl.my.site.com/path
2. Log in to the PATH Intl. Portal
3. After logging in to the portal, the “My Information” page will open. This is the portal homepage. On the homepage you can see and update your personal information. To update your personal information, click on “Change” on the right side of section box you want to update.
4. After updating your information in the section box, click the “Save” button.
5. Repeat for each section you need to update.
Q: How do I get a copy of my membership card?
Membership cards are printed and mailed by the PATH Intl. office when you initially sign up for membership and when you renew your membership.
You can also obtain a copy of your PATH Intl. membership card by following these steps:
1. Go to https://pathintl.my.site.com/path
2. Log in to the PATH Intl. Portal
3. Click on the “Membership Info” tab at the top of the page
4. Select “online card” from the dropdown menu
5. Print your membership card
Q: How do I access Member Connection?
A: To access Member Connection you first need to login to your PATH. Intl. portal. After you login, follow these steps:
1. On the main page of the portal, in the gray box toward the top of the screen there is a button that says “Member Connection”. Click on this button.
2. You are now on the Member Connection main page, the “sign in” button can be found at the top of the page on the right-hand side.
3. Click on the “sign in” button to go to the login screen.
4. You will be automatically signed in. You do not need to enter any login credentials.
Q: What are the benefits of using the PATH Intl. member only platform Member Connection?
A: PATH Intl. Member Connection serves as a valuable resource for networking, knowledge-sharing, professional growth, and staying connected with the broader community of equine-assisted services professionals. It offers a supportive and collaborative platform to enhance your practice and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Below are some of the benefits and resources available on Member Connection:
Networking: Member Connection provides a platform for connecting and networking with other PATH Intl. members. You can engage with fellow professionals, share ideas, ask questions, and build relationships within the equine-assisted services community.
Information Sharing: Member Connection allows you to share your knowledge, experiences, and resources with other members. It provides a collaborative space where you can contribute to discussions, offer insights, and learn from the expertise of others in the field.
Peer Support: Member Connection offers a supportive environment where you can seek advice, guidance, and support from your peers. You can connect with professionals facing similar challenges or situations, receive encouragement, and benefit from the collective wisdom of the community.
Professional Development: You can access educational materials, participate in relevant discussions, and stay updated with the latest trends, research, and best practices in equine-assisted services.
Resource Sharing: Member Connection serves as a hub for sharing resources, such as articles, publications, lesson plans, and tools. You can find helpful resources for your practice and contribute your own resources to benefit others.
Stay Informed: Member Connection keeps you informed about PATH Intl. news, updates, events, and opportunities.