Online Class: Wildlife Rehabilitation — An Introduction

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive Wildlife Rehabilitation Course designed to transform your passion for animals into actionable skills that matter, ranging from medical care to supporting recovery efforts. Prepare yourself for the complexities of the field, from handling nuisance wildlife to making tough ethical decisions, as you become a guardian of the wild.

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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,077
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 7
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.7
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

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:
4.70 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,519 votes)

Lesson 1. A Step-by-Step Guide to Wildlife Rehabilitation: Understanding Care, Challenges, and Compassion

28 Points
Rehabilitating wild animals involves managing physical healing, behavior, and environmental factors, such as those encountered in oil spills. The focus is on maintaining wild instincts and avoiding human dependency to prevent potential dangers post-release.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Exam 1
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Rescue or Retreat? Understanding When Animals Need Human Help

22 Points
To safely assist wildlife, personal safety must always come first as injured or scared animals can be unpredictable. Wearing protective gear and observing the animal's behavior are essential steps to ensure both your safety and the animal's successfully recuperating back into the wild.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 2
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Wildlife Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach

10 Points
Providing immediate care to injured wildlife involves understanding anatomy and behaviors, treating injuries and infections, and working hands-on with veterinarians. Recognizing the psychological stress of captivity and nutritional needs are key to promoting long-term survival post-release.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4. Balancing Instinct and Compassion in Wildlife Care

12 Points
Pre-release evaluation ascertains an animal's readiness for the wild by testing physical and psychological capabilities, such as hunting and social skills. It's vital the animal can independently source food and exhibit healthy fear of humans for survival after release.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5. Songbird and Aquatic Bird Rehabilitation 101

12 Points
Songbirds require species-specific nutritional care, including high-protein insect diets for chicks, and environment adaptation for agile flying and foraging skills before release. Their rehab process involves evolving housing conditions from temperature-controlled enclosures to flight cages simulating natural habitats.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6. Carnivore Care: Protocols for Rehabilitation

12 Points
The Carnivora order showcases diverse species with shared traits like carnassial teeth, yet they exhibit wide-ranging diets from strict meat-eaters to omnivorous feeders. Rehabilitating these animals requires respecting natural behaviors while providing appropriate diets, housing, and minimizing human interactions to avoid dependency.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7. From Stress to Success: Understanding Rodentia and Lagomorpha

12 Points
Euthanasia in wildlife rehabilitation is an emotionally challenging decision guided by ethical considerations to prevent further suffering from incurable conditions in animals. Compassionate care through euthanasia, when justified, is vital to maintaining the welfare of wildlife in rehabilitation.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8. Avian and Mammalian Rehabilitation: An In-Depth Guide to Raptors and Bats

12 Points
Successful bat rehabilitation intricately balances dietary needs with social and natural habitat mimicry to avoid human dependency. They are key players in maintaining biodiversity, controlling insect populations, and pollinating plants.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 8

Lesson 9. Deer and Antelope: Rehabilitation Essentials

11 Points
Wildlife rehabilitators are essential for providing expert care to various mammals, including Artiodactyls such as deer and antelope, by understanding their unique behaviors and nutritional needs. Correct housing, feeding, and socializing practices are crucial to ensure these animals can return to the wild successfully.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10. Marsupials in Focus: A Tale of Two Continents

10 Points
Possums, despite their pest label in urban areas, are vital for pest control and demonstrate resilience with unique defense strategies like playing dead. Their rehabilitation involves managing dietary shifts and preparation for self-sufficiency, supporting their continued ecological contributions.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11. Ancient Survivors: A Guide to Reptile Rehabilitation

10 Points
Most reptiles lack parental involvement, making juvenile care unique compared to mammals. In rehabilitation, intervention is primarily necessary for sick, injured, or displaced hatchlings, while most are self-sufficient.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12. Final Reflections: The Complex World of Wildlife Care

80 Points
Deciding between relocation and euthanasia highlights the nuanced challenges faced by wildlife rehabilitators, who must balance animal welfare with ecosystem health. This lesson emphasizes the rehabilitator's role as an educator and advocate, guiding effective and humane responses to wildlife interactions with human spaces.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Exam 12
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
231
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: 4.70 / 5 Stars (1,519 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
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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