Do you want to work with injured or orphaned wildlife? Do you want to develop the skills to rehabilitate and release wild animals? Do you dream of one day opening your own rehabilitation center? If so, our Certificate Program in Wildlife Rehabilitation is for you!

Outcomes

​Your training will allow you to:

• Become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator

• Administer first aid and medical care to injured wildlife

• Identify and treat wounds, burns and fractures

• Create proper diets based on sound nutrition

• Minimize the risk of disease transmission

• Create effective educational programs

• Safely handle, transport and train wildlife for use in environmental education

• Build appropriate housing and exhibits

• Manage human-wildlife conflicts

• Prepare for state wildlife rehabilitation exams

• And much, much more!

Program

The Wildlife Rehabilitation certificate requires the completion of five online courses (15 academic credits) and a field requirement consisting of 40 hours of hands-on experience as an employee, intern or volunteer at an approved institution of your choice​

Choose one elective:​

1. ABI 222 Animal Enrichment

2. ABI 233 Animal Training

3. ABI 281 Avian Training

4. ABI 331 Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach

Courses

​Required courses:

1. ABI 142 Environmental Education & Outreach

2. ABI 214 Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation

3. ABI 262 Wildlife Management

4. ABI 311 Animal Nutrition, Health & Disease

Careers

Upon graduation, students may begin using the designation CWRP, Certified Wildlife Rehabilitation Professional. Some graduates open their own business in wildlife education or management. Others work in sanctuaries, private clinics or as part of a larger institution such as a zoo, aquarium or museum. Opportunities range from volunteering in an existing institution to opening your own wildlife sanctuary.

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Our Approach

Students at the Animal Behavior Institute participate in a highly interactive online classroom, engaging in regular dialog with their professors and student colleagues. You'll receive feedback each week, completing collaborative projects while working with your own animals. This collaboration, coupled with the weekly mentoring each student receives from their instructors, ensures that you will receive a very personal education.