Online Class: Wildlife Rehabilitation — An Introduction

Unlock your potential to make a real difference with our Wildlife Rehabilitation Course, where you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on expertise to care for injured and orphaned animals. Take the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful career today!

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$120.00
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 14
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,063
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 7
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.7
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Transform Lives, Both Animal and Human: Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator

Imagine the moment: a tiny, injured animal in your hands, frightened and vulnerable, unsure of its future. But with your knowledge and compassion, you give it a second chance at life. This is the heart of wildlife rehabilitation—a profession that merges science, skill, and compassion into one life-changing mission. Our Wildlife Rehabilitation Course is your path to becoming not just a caretaker of animals, but a guardian of the wild, someone who makes a real, tangible difference.

This course isn’t just about learning the basics—it’s about transforming your passion into expertise. Whether you’re rescuing a bird entangled in netting, nurturing an orphaned fawn, or rehabilitating a wounded raptor back to health, this course prepares you for every challenge and triumph that comes with caring for injured or abandoned wildlife. You will develop the confidence to act swiftly in rescue situations, the skills to provide medical care, and the knowledge to support recovery until these animals can thrive again in their natural habitats.

But what makes this course truly exceptional isn’t just the depth of information—it’s the connection you’ll build with the wildlife you help. You’ll delve deep into species-specific care, learning the nuances of everything from songbirds and small mammals to reptiles and majestic raptors. Each creature has its own needs, behaviors, and health requirements, and you’ll emerge from this course with a thorough understanding of how to address them all. This is more than a training program—it’s a masterclass in empathy, science, and hands-on care that readies you for the real world of wildlife rehabilitation. With real-life case studies and in-depth discussions on complex topics—like handling nuisance wildlife and making tough decisions around euthanasia—you’ll be prepared for even the most emotionally challenging aspects of the job.

Most importantly, you’ll finish this course with a renewed sense of purpose. You’ll not only know how to rehabilitate animals, but you’ll understand how your work fits into a larger conservation effort, helping preserve biodiversity and protect fragile ecosystems. By the time you complete this course, you’ll be more than ready to step into the field, equipped with both the knowledge and the heart to make a lasting impact.

Now is the time to transform your love for animals into something powerful. Don’t just stand on the sidelines—become the hero wildlife needs. Take this course and start making a difference today.

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Course Motivation

Imagine standing in your backyard, and you come across an injured wild animal—what would you do? Many of us, with good intentions, would try to help, but without the right knowledge, things can quickly go wrong. Our Wildlife Rehabilitation Course is designed to ensure that you're never left uncertain when you encounter wildlife in need. Whether you're passionate about nature, love the idea of making your backyard a sanctuary for animals, or are considering a career in wildlife rehabilitation, this course will give you everything you need to confidently and compassionately care for wildlife.

This course goes beyond just theory—it's about equipping you with practical, hands-on skills to save lives and make a real difference. From learning how to assess an animal's condition and provide first aid to understanding species-specific care, this course is immersive and transformative. We don’t just teach facts; we teach you to act with precision and care in even the most challenging situations. Every lesson builds on the last, ensuring you're prepared to handle everything from common injuries to complex rehabilitation processes.

By the time you complete the course, you won’t just have gained knowledge; you’ll have a deep understanding and readiness to intervene, save lives, and support the natural world around you. This is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s your chance to be a guardian for the voiceless creatures that rely on us. Take the step to enroll today, and become the hero wildlife needs!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,510 votes)

Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Wildlife Rehabilitation

12 Points
Wildlife rehabilitation is a compassionate and skilled endeavor that involves rescuing, healing, and releasing wild animals back into their natural habitats. Often misunderstood, it's important to clarify not just what wildlife rehabilitation is, but also what it is not, to avoid unintended consequences for both animals and humans. Additional lesson topics: National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Exam 1

Lesson 2: When and If to Rescue and Rehabilitate

12 Points
Make sure you know what you're doing before you ever attempt to rescue a wild animal. If you're not sure if an animal requires relief, consult with an expert. Additional lesson topics: Wildlife Emergencies
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 2

Lesson 3: Providing Medical Care in Wildlife Rehabilitation

10 Points
When an animal is injured or in distress, the immediate steps taken to care for it can determine whether it survives, thrives, or succumbs to its injuries. Wildlife rehabilitation is a delicate, multifaceted field that demands both expertise and compassion. Additional lesson topics: Pet Poison Helpline; Capture and Emergency Care for Wildlife
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4: Wildlife Rehabilitation Standards

12 Points
Wildlife rehabilitation is a field that balances science, compassion, and a deep understanding of animal behavior and biology. Each animal that enters rehabilitation must be treated with the utmost respect, ensuring that it can regain its natural abilities and be successfully reintroduced into its native habitat.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5: Avian Rehabilitation: Songbirds and Aquatic Birds

12 Points
Wildlife rehabilitation is an intricate process, especially when it comes to avian species. Birds present a unique set of challenges, from their highly specialized anatomy to their complex behaviors in the wild. Additional lesson topics: International Bird Rescue; Wild Bird Rehabilitation; Aquatic Bird Rehabilitation; Center for Avian Rehabilitation and Education, Inc.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6: Wildlife Rehabilitation: Carnivores

12 Points
Rehabilitating carnivores presents a unique set of challenges. As highly intelligent and powerful predators, these animals demand specialized care and a deep understanding of their biology, behavior, and ecological roles. Additional lesson topics: The Wild Animal Sanctuary; Wildlife Rescue Centers in India
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7: Wildlife Rehabilitation: Rodentia and Lagomorphs

12 Points
The process of rehabilitating wildlife requires deep knowledge of various animal species, especially the vast orders like Rodentia (rodents) and Lagomorpha (rabbits and hares). Additional lesson topics: Squirrel Rescue; Raccoon group overwintering at the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue; Saving Wild Baby Rabbits
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8: Wildlife Rehabilitation, Other Winged Animals: Raptors and Bats

12 Points
In this section, you will dive into the care and rehabilitation of two extraordinary types of winged creatures: raptors and bats. These animals come with their own unique set of challenges, and proper knowledge is essential to ensure their safe and successful rehabilitation. Additional lesson topics: Bat World Sanctuary
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 8

Lesson 9: Wildlife Rehabilitation: Deer, Antelope, Other Mammals

11 Points
In this section, we will dive into the rehabilitation requirements of some of the most common and essential species, particularly focusing on Artiodactyls—those even-toed ungulates such as deer and antelope—and other mammals like primates.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10: Wildlife Rehabilitation: Marsupials

10 Points
Marsupials are a fascinating group of mammals, known for their unique method of reproduction, where newborns continue to develop in a specialized pouch. Found primarily in Australia and the Americas, marsupials play an essential role in their respective ecosystems. Additional lesson topics: National Opossum Society
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11: Wildlife Rehabilitation: Reptiles

10 Points
The best, and the only, way to properly rehabilitate reptiles is to understand the possible species that are indigenous to your area, and learn their specific properties. Additional lesson topics: CCSB REPTILE RESCUE and REHAB CENTER
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12: Wildlife Rehabilitation: Final Considerations

80 Points
Wildlife rehabilitation is more than just healing and releasing animals back into the wild; it involves difficult decisions, ethical dilemmas, and strategic collaboration with other professionals. In this final lesson, we will explore how to handle calls regarding nuisance wildlife, the emotional and ethical challenges of euthanasia, and review key lessons from this course.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: Exam 12
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
205
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the fundamentals of wildlife rehabilitation.
  • Describe when and if to rescue and rehabilitate.
  • Describe protocols for providing medical care in wildlife rehabilitation.
  • Define wildlife rehabilitation standards.
  • Summarize avian rehabilitation.
  • Summarize wildlife rehabilitation.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Wildlife Rehabilitation: An Introduction
Course Number: 8900357
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (1,510 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: February 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.7 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed this class. While I knew somethings about rehabbing, I also learned about other animals, and it was good to have to research animals in my area that I would not otherwise have done. I have no experience with Songbirds so that was interesting. I really enjoyed Lesson 4: Wildlife Rehabilitation standards. I learned a lot from the terminology. In fact, I printed it off so I could look at it again and try to memorize them! Opossums and Squirrels are my favorites!" -- June H.
  • "This course was very helpful and very informative. I learnt a lot that I knew very little about and am going to start volunteering at a vet with my knowledge from this course." -- Gabriella W.
  • "I loved this course I enjoyed every lesson and I learned so much. Thank you so much I appreciate your help. I would recommend it to anyone interested in wildlife rehabilitation. This course had everything you needed." -- Tina K.
  • "This course was truly helpful. I learned allot of new information and this course will definitely help me with my future job." -- Charlene O.
  • "Very good course. Lots of great information. Will help a lot with future rehabbing." -- Pam B.
  • "I rather enjoyed the course and definitely taught me a few things I didn't know." -- Jason M.
  • "The videos were extremely helpful." -- Warren Y.
  • "This was great, thank you." -- Emily M.
  • "It was pretty easy to navigate throughout the course." -- Rebekah C.
  • "What was most helpful were the clear and concise directions on how to help an animal while injured or sick." -- Cortney S.
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