Drupal 6 - Custom Node Type Template in Module

I have a module which adds a new content type.

For this content type I want to supply a node_contenttype.tpl.php node type template,
but Drupal will not recognize this template in the module directory, only in a theme.

How do I get Drupal (6) to use my template?

You can use [hook_theme_registry_alter()][1]

Here is an example of its use in a custom module that works for me (Just replace 'mymodule' with the name of your module):

/**
* Implementation of hook_theme_registry_alter()
*/
function mymodule_theme_registry_alter(&$theme_registry) {
$template = 'node';
$originalpath = array_shift($theme_registry[$template]['theme paths']);
$modulepath = drupal_get_path('module', 'mymodule');
// Stick the original path with the module path back on top
array_unshift($theme_registry[$template]['theme paths'], $originalpath, $modulepath);
}

Now, Drupal will check your module folder for node template overrides.

[1]:

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