Are you interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator? Volunteer opportunities are a great way to gain experience and test out your chosen field. If you’re ready to take the next step, an intensive practicum placement is a chance to really develop your skills. Wild ARC’s well-respected Practicum Program mentors prospective rehabilitators (or other animal health professionals), and offers the opportunity to develop technical wildlife skills.
Practicum Program Design
Wild ARC’s Practicum Program offers two distinct streams:
Each stream provides participants with three, four, five or six months of intensive, hands-on wildlife rehabilitation experience. Our Practicum students work closely with our rehabilitation team; you will learn how to handle, assess and treat a wide variety of wild bird and mammal species.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation stream has a focus on the rearing and treatment of a variety of small mammals and avian species. The Herbivore Specialist stream focuses on the rearing, biosecurity requirements and medical treatment of sensitive herbivores like black-tailed deer fawns and Eastern cottontail rabbits.
Practicum Educational Credit:
Our Practicum Program is a professional development opportunity. Participants can receive university course credit for completing the practicum (such as APBI 496 at the University of British Columbia), or it can fulfill the practicum requirement for various environmental or animal health programs. Alternatively, participants can register for a certificate course in wildlife rehabilitation training through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC).
Practicum Applications:
These three, four or six month terms are offered annually during our busy summer season:
- Our practicum program runs between April and October of each year.
Our Practicum Program Description (PDF) outlines all the details of this exciting opportunity. We accept applications at the beginning of February each year. Placement interviews and offers typically occur in February.
Apply by February 22
Application packages can be submitted electronically to info@wildarc.com and must include:
- Completed Practicum Application Form (PDF)
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- 1-2 page essay describing your career goals and relevance of our practicum program
- Three references (at least one former employer)
