The Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (Formerly College of Marine Mammal Professions) was established by Dolphin Research Center (DRC) in 2012 in response to the limited availability of licensed and accredited professional education programs that prepare individuals for careers regarding the behavior, care, and training of marine mammals. DRC is a not-for-profit organization that is home
to a colony of dolphins and California sea lions. Our marine mammal family lives in natural lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. A fully accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) as well as an organizational member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA), the facility is open to the public and welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year. DRC was co-founded by Jayne and Mandy Rodriguez with the idea of educating and inspiring people for the benefit of marine mammals and the environment we share. Their core idea of creating strong relationships between marine mammals and people, based on trust and respect, remains strong today. Whether it is a guest visiting DRC for an interactive program, or a staff member nurturing sincere friendships with the marine mammals they care for, the relationship and sense of partnership between marine mammals and people is a treasured part of the equation. Based on this foundation, DRC has become a leader in animal care and training techniques, including world-renowned, innovative husbandry, research, and interactive programming. Currently, the Training Institute offers an Occupational Associate's Degree in Marine Mammal Behavior, Care and Training, with the intention of expanding and offering other degrees within the field of marine mammal professions. Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 4766
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges . DRCTI's Professional Animal Trainer (PAT) program does not fall under the purview of the Florida Commission for Independent Education licensing and standards or the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accreditation.
to a colony of dolphins and California sea lions. Our marine mammal family lives in natural lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. A fully accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) as well as an organizational member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA), the facility is open to the public and welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year. DRC was co-founded by Jayne and Mandy Rodriguez with the idea of educating and inspiring people for the benefit of marine mammals and the environment we share. Their core idea of creating strong relationships between marine mammals and people, based on trust and respect, remains strong today. Whether it is a guest visiting DRC for an interactive program, or a staff member nurturing sincere friendships with the marine mammals they care for, the relationship and sense of partnership between marine mammals and people is a treasured part of the equation. Based on this foundation, DRC has become a leader in animal care and training techniques, including world-renowned, innovative husbandry, research, and interactive programming.
