Several schools in the United States provide students with coursework emphasizing wildlife rehabilitation. In these classes, you can expect to gain information about animal first aid, how to care for displaced, orphaned or injured wildlife, and how to best reintroduce rehabilitated animals to their original homes. Classes in wildlife rehab can help you to learn practical skills that can be put to work in a fulfilling career.
Mercer County Community College
Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, N.J., offers students the opportunity to gain the primary skills necessary to assist in animal rehabilitation.Through the Basic Training Course for Wildlife Rehabilitation, you can take the first step toward become a professional and licensed wildlife rehabilitator. During the five-day program, students learn about New Jersey’s licensing requirements and regulations, as well as how to properly identify, handle, care for, feed and provide first aid to animals from birds, reptiles and mammals.
Animal Behavior Institute
If you’re hoping to gain certification in wildlife rehabilitation, the Animal Behavior Institute’s coursework can get you there. At this online school, students learn about wildlife care in classes like Animal Nutrition, Health and Disease, Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Environmental Education and Outreach. The Animal Behavior Institute, in Durham, N.C., focuses on conservation and human-wildlife contact as a way of teaching its students about rehab practices.
Coastal Carolina Community College
Coastal Carolina Community College’s Wildlife Rehabilitation program focuses on real world, hands-on experience in rehabilitation for its students. Through the wildlife rehabilitation coursework, students will be able to eligible to demonstrate their skills with bandages, splints, physical therapy and injury management at the local Carolina wildlife sanctuary. This training is additionally helpful as it covers the required 100 hours of experience that are necessary to apply for a Federal Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit. Coastal Carolina is in Jacksonville, N.C.
University of New England
The University of New England, with locations in Biddeford and Portland, Maine, offers classwork in wildlife rehabilitation that is unique in its emphasis on marine animal rehabilitation and conservation. Students with majors through the Department of Marine Sciences can apply for internship credit at the rehabilitation program. There are many opportunities for students to help with stranded sea lions, turtles and other animals. The program’s research is performed in the pursuit of more effective rehabilitation practices.
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Suzy Kerr graduated from Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. She completed her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences, also at the University of Georgia. Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and online publications.