| 08 October 2010
The Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association since its formation has been the only active training body for Wildlife Rehabilitators in the State of Louisiana. We have traditionally offered the Basic and Advanced Skills Classes on-site at the Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine and in other parts of the state as needed and requested.
Recently we have begun work on a certification program and test that will be approved by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as acceptable training and continuing education for both Wildlife Rehabilitators and state licensed Veterinarians. LSBVM and RACE approval for Veterinarians is being sought for our classes.
Our classes are approved by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and count toward required Continuing Education Credits to maintain professional certification through their Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator program.
Current Offerings:
Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation - This is the Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills class covering a good portion of the very basic skills needed. Topics covered include Basic Animal Care, Mammal Rehabilitation Basics, Bird Rehabilitation Basics, Obtaining Your Permit, Medical Mathematics for Wildlife Rehabilitation, Parasites and Zoological Diseases, and Release Criteria. You will be required to complete an exam at the end of this class. The exam consists of 50 questions.
Advanced Wildlife Rehabilitation - Periodically we offer advanced wildlife rehabilitation classes.
Certified Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitator - As part of the requirements for the new wildlife rehabilitation permitting system being planned by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries we are developing a Certified Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitator test. This test will be administered via the web or proctor. We strongly encourage those seeking certification in their respective categories of permit to take a Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills course, either through LAWRA's in-person or online class or via the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) or International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) conferences held yearly around the country. IWRC additionally maintains their nationwide Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator program with a similar certification test.
OUT OF STATE APPLICANTS: Our Certified Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitator program is ONLY designed for Louisiana-based Wildlife Rehabilitators and contains content specific to Louisiana's wildlife. The topics covered may not necessarily pertain to your state and approval of our test for certification in your respective state is NOT guaranteed outside of the State of Louisiana.
This test is again in development at this time and will become available to take online and via proctor as soon as the permanent rules for Wildlife Rehabilitation in Louisiana take effect under Louisiana law.