Become A Certified Trainer

Facilitator Training is required when you initially get the VDT® program, and teaches you how to set up and conduct the VDT for your staff or the general public. This training is available online or in-person with a VDT Certified Trainer. Most needs and goals for the VDT are met by getting the program, membership/license and facilitator training. Contact info@secondwind.org for details and pricing. Certified Trainers receive an advanced level of training and have additional capabilities not available to facilitators, see below for details and to apply. 

VDT® Facilitator (VDTF)

VDT® Community Specialist (VDTCS)

For staff training in senior living, long-term care, and nursing centers ONLY.

All organizations (including senior living); allows broader community outreach.

Includes all VDTF capabilities, plus:

May conduct the VDT for staff and families at their senior living location only

May conduct the VDT for the general public and non-professional caregivers (for free, unlimited times)

Cannot conduct VDTs for the public or train other facilitators

May offer VDT one time only, for free, to other organizations under 25 employees, (not at conferences, or hospitals or colleges other than your own)

-additional sessions require purchase or VDTCT/SWD-led tour

Can train Tour Guide helpers (excluding the debriefing role)

Training: Same as VDTF but also includes training on community version of VDT

Training: Online course or in-person by VDTCT/VDTAT (+ 1-hour SWD webinar at $25per person if trained by VDTCT)

Annual renewal required per kit for licensing and portal access

May not offer CEUs for the VDT

VDT® Certified Trainer (VDTCT)

VDT® Advanced Trainer (VDTAT)

Candidates approved via application; includes broader, more advanced use of VDT program.

Includes all VDTCS capabilities, plus:

Experienced VDTCTs seeking the highest trainer level certification

Includes all VDTCT capabilities, plus:

May conduct VDTs for organizations with 25+ employees one time free; future sessions require payment

Must complete adult learning seminar and submit debrief video project

May offer 1.5 hours CEUs for social workers, nurses, activities professionals, dieticians

Those they train do not need to complete the SWD capstone webinar at $25pp

May train new VDTFs and VDTCSs within their own licensed organization with capstone webinar ($25pp) hosted by SWD required for those they train

May offer VDT for a fee to universities and conferences, or for free under special circumstances as approved by SWD

Eligible to offer the VDT for a fee and be paid as a 1099 contractor through SWD

Optional specialization trainings available (e.g., Hospital, Family, Inclusive VDT - only available from a VDTCT or VDTAT for a fee).

20% off online purchases

​Apply to become a Certified Trainer:

  • Click the button below to apply online and attach your cover letter and resume.
  • Cost is $2,875 – includes the VDT manual and full set of sensory Tour components, annual license/membership and in-person training. Optional 3rd day for specialized training such as Hospital or Inclusive VDT is an additional $350.
  • Annual renewal of $400 provides ongoing support from SWD and is required for active Certified Trainer status.
  • Contact vdt@secondwind.org with questions.

VDT Certified Trainer class dates for 2026:

  • February 25-26, 2026; optional Hospital VDT training Feb. 27
  • April 22-23, 2026; optional Hospital VDT training Apr. 24
  • June 24-25, 2026; optional Inclusive VDT training Jun. 26
  • October 21-22, 2026; optional Hospital VDT training Oct. 23

* Available in-person only in Roswell, GA. Dates subject to change.

Certified Trainer Application