FAQs for Instructors
I have an idea for a course. What should I do next?
If you are not already developing your course concept with a committee member, write to education@nwaps.org and request a meeting. If your course concept is already developed, propose it here.
Do I need teaching experience to offer a course?
No. Our mission is to develop psychoanalytic instruction outside of institutional settings. Previous experience, as with any endeavor, can help, but lack of it can be overcome easily through your interest and passion for the material you want to teach.
What kind of experience do I need to propose and teach a course?
Enough familiarity with a topic area to feel enthusiasm about sharing it with others, or to have unanswered questions that you hope your students can help address. Your CV, required for each proposal, should demonstrate why you are qualified to teach the course.
Does NWAPS offer institutional resources to instructors?
If needed, an Education Committee member helps you focus your course concept into a coherent, intelligible, and time-limited package that can be delivered to others. We also provide a marketing and registration platform with access to up to 2,000 clinicians. We secure and administrate continuing education units through our accreditor, Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work.
How does NWAPS promote my course(s)?
Your course is promoted on our website and in biweekly newsletters and occasional email flyers. You are encouraged to promote your course as you wish.
What are the essential parameters of a successful course?
A successful course:
- Has a well-defined frame
- Is easy to access, either online or in-person
- Has 2-3 well-defined learning objectives
- Is priced anywhere between $20 to $60 per continuing education unit
- Meets regularly for 1 to 1.5 hours each time, unless it is a workshop, which can meet from 2 to 4 hours at a time
- Has an articulated syllabus and flow
- Strikes a balance between didactic and interactive learning elements
How do I communicate with my students?
You will receive a roster of registrants from your Education Committee point person. You may email the details of your course, reading materials, etc., directly to your students.
What happens if a student misses a class?
We cannot issue partial credit; therefore, you will need to plan to provide students who miss classes with a make-up method either by recording the class for later viewing or by soliciting written feedback about the material covered in the missed class.
What if a student wants a refund?
Ask them to write to admin@nwaps.org. Our cancellation/refund policy is clearly stated in marketing and registration materials.
How and when do I get paid for teaching the course?
We issue payment when your course is complete and you have submitted a final list of creditable students to your point person. We pay you 75% of total proceeds and the other 25% benefits the Alliance.
How is my course evaluated?
We send course evaluations to the final student roster. We send the results to you approximately two to four weeks after course completion.
How are continuing education units distributed?
Students can download continuing education certificates when they complete course evaluations. Students are responsible for completing evaluations in a timely manner and for downloading the certificate PDF.
FAQs for Students
How do I register for a course?
Find a course in our event listings or newsletter and follow the registration link.
How does NWAPS decide which courses to offer?
We are mostly a volunteer organization, so we depend on relationships, recruiting, and our desire to provide breadth as well as depth of educational experiences. Most instructors know of us and propose courses. Other instructors have been actively recruited by the Education Committee. We do not operate within a formal curriculum, but we do desire to complement institutional education.
Do NWAPS courses come with CEUs?
Most do, but some do not.
Do I have to be an NWAPS member to take a course?
No.
What happens if I miss a class?
Notify your instructor and they will provide a means of making up the missed class. We do not issue partial continuing education credits.
What happens if I need a refund?
Notify admin@nwaps.org. Our policy is to refund 70% of tuition when canceling more than two weeks prior to the first day of class.
May I receive a refund if I am not satisfied with a course?
Not usually. We recommend you discuss your dissatisfaction and wish for a refund with your instructor and mutually decide to make the request for a 70% refund. Our educational offerings are learning opportunities for both instructors and students, so we make no claim on perfection.
Must I be a licensed clinician to take an NWAPS course?
No. Our courses are open to anyone interested in psychoanalytic theory.
May I take an NWAPS course if I am still in graduate school?
Yes! This is highly encouraged, as not many counseling psychology programs include psychoanalytic theory with any regularity or depth.