Become a Master Trainer
Powerful Tools for Caregivers, owned and managed by Iowa State University Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach, is sustained by extensive collaborations with community-based organizations. PTC is a train-the-trainer model program with a detailed, scripted, curriculum. Our goal is to build capacity to replicate the program through affordable Class Leader and Master Trainer trainings. Increasing the number of classes available makes it possible for more caregivers to benefit from the proven outcomes of the PTC program. If you would like to have the ability to train PTC Class Leaders, you must become a Master Trainer.
To become a Master Trainer, you must begin as a Class Leader. Once you are a Master Trainer, you and a co-Master Trainer can plan either the two-day in-person Class Leader Training or the virtual 5-day (3 hours per day) Class Leader Training.
To become a PTC Master Trainer, a trained PTC Class Leader must:
- Complete a minimum of 4 PTC 6-week classes, with one series conducted within 12 months prior to the Master Training.
- Plan to conduct a PTC Class Leader training within 6 months following the Master Trainer Training
- Have a trained PTC Master Trainer with whom to co-lead a Class Leader Training
- Obtain written support of a sponsor organization willing to support the Master Trainer in coordinating a PTC Class Leader training
- Pay the Master Trainer Training Fee (Training fee covers the Master Trainer license fee, cost of materials, and time of trainers)
- Complete the virtual Master Trainer Training
- Agree to the Master Trainer Agreement
Master Trainer trainings are virtual, 120 minutes, and offered multiple times throughout the year. All prospective Master Trainers must begin as a Class Leaders and attend the full 2-hour training with their camera and microphone on.
The Master Trainer license fee is due after your application is accepted and you register for the training.
**Now accepting applications: You can apply online for our 2026 Master Trainer Training opportunities.**
- Thursday, January 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. CT (Training cost: $525)
- Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. CT
- Monday, November 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. CT
Interested in a future Master Trainer Training? Contact [email protected]
Current Master Trainers
Please see the How-to Guide for Master Trainers to view step-by-step instructions for the Class Leader Training process, including:
- Ordering electronic copies of the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workbook for the class leader trainings.
- Accessing PTC Master Trainer files on the ISU Extension Store website.
- Completing the Confirmation Form to register your PTC Class Leader Training at least 3 weeks before your event begins.
- Paying Class Leader License Fees through the ISU Extension Store
- Completing the Class Leader Training Roster Email to communicate the number of Class Leader Training participants and share their email addresses via the online form.
- Understanding the Welcome Email that PTC Headquarters will send the Welcome Email to newly trained Class Leaders after the completion of the roster email.
- PTC Class Leader Evaluation data that is sent from PTC Headquarters to the Master Trainers seven days after the roster email is complete.
We are seeking feedback on the value of the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program within public (your community) and private (your organization). Please take a moment to complete this survey and provide feedback about the PTC program value.
If you have any questions about the Master Trainer requirements or process of the class leader trainings, please contact [email protected].