The Relational-Cultural Ecological Practitioner curriculum prepares students for advanced practice through the comprehension and integration of the Relational-Cultural theoretical framework, knowledge, values, and skills in a purposeful, intentional, and professional manner to promote relational ecology. 

The training goals and objectives are met by focusing on specific competencies that serve to prepare, inform and aid evaluation for certification as a Relational-Cultural Ecological Practitioner. The competencies serve as a link between what may be observed or demonstrated in a trainee’s knowledge, value, and skill performance, and the program’s curriculum expectations.

In a general way, these competencies and accepted practice standards operationalize the educational objectives for trainees, faculty, and administration. They provide a common set of definitions to gauge knowledge, performance, and behavior.

The Relational-Cultural Practitioner Ecology Track competencies are listed below.

• Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior based on Relational-Cultural tenets and a holistic understanding of the natural world.

• Competency 2: Demonstrate an understanding of relational ecosystems.

• Competency 3: Advance ecological awareness and ecological justice by understanding cultural narratives about Nature.

• Competency 4: Engage with Nature by learning to listen and interact with the Natural world.

• Competency 5: Engage in RCT practice-informed ecological research and RCT research-informed ecological practice.

• Competency 6: Integrate ecological policy practice grounded in RCT tenets.