OWREN Courses

 

 

 

 

 

Home
What's New?
Wildlife Health News
OWREN Courses
OWREN Conferences
Publications
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife Help Pages
Find a Rehabilitator
About OWREN
Contact Us
Shop OWREN Online
Links           

Home | What's New? | Wildlife Health News | OWREN Courses | OWREN Conferences | Publications | Wildlife Rehabilitation | Wildlife Help Pages | Find a Rehabilitator | About OWREN | Contact Us | Shop OWREN Online | Links

 

 

  WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COURSES!

 

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COURSES!

 

 

OWREN's Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills

and Beyond Basic Skills Wildlife Rehabilitation courses

are being planned for 2010. 

Dates and locations will be announced

~on this page when they are confirmed.~

 

We advise you to just keep checking the site!   Thank you!

 

 

General Information About OWREN Courses.

  • Registrations are filled on a first come-first served basis. Classes usually fill quickly.  Don't delay sending your registration in once they are posted here.

  • Payment in full (cheque or money order) must accompany your registration.

  • Sorry, we do not accept credit cards for payment.

  • Registration must be mailed in and must reach us by the deadline.

      (You may use Express Post, Priority Post or any other courier service to ensure your registration is received in 

      sufficient time - IF you are registering late). 

  • In the event that the course is full, or does not meet minimum registration requirements and is cancelled, your payment  will be returned or refunded in full. 

  • There are no refunds issued after the registration deadline.

  • Study guides will be sent to you when the registration deadline has passed and the course meets minimum registration requirements and is confirmed. (Note:  there is no study guide or exam component for the Beyond Basic Skills course.) 

  • If the course is confirmed to go ahead, when registration closes you will be notified at that time by email and provided with maps and driving directions - if needed.  This website will also be updated to indicate registrations are closed.

  • Course brochures/registration forms are in PDF format.  You will need to download them and print a copy to fill     out. Keep a copy for yourself.  PDF files require a PDF reader and if you cannot open them, you need to download the most current (FREE) version of Adobe's PDF reader.  Use this link: http://get.adobe.com/reader/

  • Ensure we have the following information on your registration form:  Please be sure to PRINT LEGIBLY!!

        -  Your full name (as you want it to appear on your name badge/certificate of completion)

        -  Your ~full and complete~ mailing address. (For Basic Skills registrants, we must have it to ensure you 

            receive your study guides.)

        -  Your EMAIL address - we use this for communication with you!!

  • Join OWREN now and save even more on your course registration!  If you're not an OWREN member, you can take advantage of the membership registration rate by joining - simply enclose the required amount for your membership and register at the members rate. 

 

Questions and Answers about OWREN's courses

 

 

QUESTIONS

 

ANSWERS

Can I pay for both my membership and course registration fee with one cheque/money order?

  Yes, you can.

Can I register for and take the Beyond Basics course immediately after the Basic Skills course even if I don't know if I have passed the course yet?

Yes, passing or failing the Basic Skills course is not relevant to taking the Beyond Basic Skills course. Passing does not 'give' you a wildlife custodian authorization - you must apply for that through the Ministry of Natural Resources.  A successful passing grade exempts you only from having to write the Ministry's test.  (OWREN's test and the Ministry's test are the same thing.)  OWREN does not have the legal authority to issue any licenses. Applications, and inspections for rehabilitation permits are the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Ministry (provincial) and/or the Canadian Wildlife Service (federal).

I can't open or download the attachment to print out a registration. What should I do? Can you send it to me in another format?

PDF extension files are a universally accepted method used by business and organizations for file sharing and sending information.  We do not use any other format for registrations. Your computer may be set up to prevent you from downloading from the web or your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is not current. Download and install the newest version (FREE)  Add OWREN to your trusted sites in your browser security settings and your antivirus programs. Try saving the file to your desktop and then open Adobe Acrobat Reader, navigate to the file and open it from within. 

Can I join OWREN now and pay the member registration rate for the course?

Yes, you can.  Just add the two amounts (registration and membership) and make one payment for both when you mail in your course fees. This option is not retroactive - membership must be included with your course registration for this offer to be valid.

1) I am not yet 19 but will be in a few months, can I still register for the courses? 

2) I have young children who are currently doing volunteer work at a wildlife centre - can I register all of us and bring them to take this course?

No, the legal age to take this course is 19.

Can I take the Beyond Basic Skills course without first taking the Basic Skills course?

It is not recommended unless you have some previous hands-on experience working with wildlife and have at least received introductory training about basic wildlife rehabilitation skills. (Experience with domestic animals is not considered the equivalent to having basic wildlife skills experience.)

What happens if I write the exam for the Basic Skills course and I fail the test? What are my options?

You can rewrite the exam at the next OWREN course that is held (small administration fee applies) or you can take your time and study the guides for as long as you need and make arrangements to write the exam at your nearest MNR office when you feel ready.

Do I have to write the Basic Skills test?

No. You can choose not to take the test. You will instead be issued a Certificate of Participation that indicates you have not written the test.  If you want to take the course for information only and have no intention or plans to apply for your own wildlife custodial authorization, you don't have to take the test. You still must complete both days of the course and all the hands on components of the training modules to earn a participation certificate.

What if I need accommodations or have no transportation to get there?

You must make your own room reservations and arrangements for transportation to and from the course. We provide basic info on one nearby hotel to assist you. You can also search on Google for alternate accommodations to suit you. We do not provide  information about other course registrants for the purpose of room or ride sharing due to privacy issues. Bring a friend or two and share with them! 

What is the fee for the courses?

Basic Skills Course (2 day course)

- OWREN Member: 

    Individual $165.00, Family (2 persons) $330.00, Org. (3 persons) $495.00, 

    Student (full-time) $130.00.  

- Non-Member: 

    Individual $210.00, Student (full-time) $175.00

Beyond Basic Skills Course (1 day course)

  - OWREN Member:

       Individual $85.00, Family (2 persons) $170.00,

       Org/ (3 persons) $255.00, Student (full-time) $65.00.  

  - Non-Member: 

       Individual $105.00, Student (full-time) $85.00

     (Note:  Fees are subject to change)

What is included in my course registration?

Basic Skills:  

  Lunch both days;  3 study guides sent to you when the course is confirmed;

  and a course manual distributed the first day of class.  The test questions

  are derived only from the material contained in the study guides, so you need

  to read and understand those to prepare to write the test. The study guides

  are mailed out in advance of the course start date.

.

Beyond Basic Skills: 

  Lunch, and a course manual and handouts - distributed the day of class.   

  (There is no test in the Beyond Basic Skills course.)

What does a one-year membership in OWREN cost?

Individual member $30.00,

Family member (2 persons) $50.00,

Organizational (3 persons) $75.00

(Note:  Fees are subject to change)

When and where is the next course going to be held?

Course dates and locations are posted to this website when those dates and locations are confirmed. 

If you do not see any dates/locations listed, that means there are none scheduled. Bookmark the site and keep checking back! 

The website is our primary means for letting you know a course is coming up. Click the link and send us an email with your information in it and we'll send you a notice when we post new dates/locations to the site.   

 

 

 

    About the OWREN Wildlife Rehabilitation BASIC SKILLS COURSE:

The OWREN Wildlife Rehabilitation BASIC SKILLS COURSE was designed by Ontario rehabilitators and the OWREN Board as an essential basic educational component of wildlife rehabilitation for those who wish to become Authorized Wildlife Custodians (AWC) in Ontario, act as Foster Care Givers for an existing AWC, or volunteer to work with wildlife at an established facility. There are NO pre-requisites for the Basic Skills Course, and it is open to members of the public over the age of 19. 

 

 

The two-day course, hands on lab learning stations and written exam component, are accepted as the equivalent to the Ministry of Natural Resources OWRE written test for those who attend, participate fully in the lab sections, and attain a score of 80% on the written exam.

 

It is a first step towards becoming an authorized wildlife custodian in the province of Ontario.

 

 

Existing custodians may wish to take the course to refresh their skills and update their knowledge. The course is ideal to complement volunteer training programs or for those who want to learn the basics of wildlife rehabilitation and volunteer at rehabilitation facilities or work with wildlife in related professions. Humane society, animal control, or veterinary clinic staff who often receive orphaned or injured wildlife from the public would benefit from the course.  

 

The course provides you with a fundamental exposure to what you can expect working with native species in wildlife rehabilitation in Ontario.  The course curriculum provides you with a basic introduction to and a starting foundation in the following subject areas:

Legalities:  Federal & provincial laws; conditions of Wildlife Custodian Authorization (presented by MNR); wildlife recordkeeping; veterinary relationships; disease reporting

Initial Contact:  handling public inquiries; species identification; injury assessment; reuniting orphans with parent; species biology/behaviour; telephone hotline tips/advice; safe wildlife capture/transport.

Triage:  initial examination; making difficult decisions; animal-rehabilitator safety and handling.

Emergency:  shock; dehydration; emaciation;  blood/fluid loss; poison/seizures; respiration.

Basic Exam:  equipment; restraint methods; performing the examination; charting.

Basic Treatment:  limb immobilization; wing wraps; wound management; gavage; dosage calculations; fluid replacement calculations.

Diseases:  wildlife diseases; zoonoses; epizootics; disease prevention strategies.

Rehabilitation:  ethics; equipment; housing; nutrition overview; enrichment; stress reduction tips.

Release Considerations:  release assessment; methods; site evaluations; euthanasia

The course also involves hands-on workstations in which new students are taught and gain confidence in performing basic life saving techniques on wildlife. These techniques can often help to help stabilize an injury to permit healing and/or to prevent further injury for transport to your veterinarian for treatment.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

Students are evaluated and/or graded in each of three course areas:

 

     *    Full attendance both days for lectures

     *    Full participation in all hands-on lab workstations

     *    A written test in which a score of 80% must be achieved to pass.

 

Failure to complete or participate in any of the three sections, will result in a failed grade.

A Certificate of Completion will not be issued by OWREN if this occurs.

 

The Study Guide and Exam Guides are sent out to all registrants when the following conditions are all met: 

 

    * We receive your fully paid registration,

     * The registration deadline has passed, and

     * The minimum number of persons registered for the course to proceed has been met.

 

Go over and study this material carefully as the final exam is based on the material contained in the study guides.  All students will receive the OWREN Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills Manual on the first day of the course.  It covers the course content taught over the two day period and has many other useful resources and information for rehabilitation.

 

Overall the OWREN Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills Course is a well rounded course developed by Ontario rehabilitators - for Ontario rehabilitators!

 

 

 

 

About the OWREN BEYOND BASIC SKILLS Wildlife Rehabilitation Course

 

Whether you provide care from intake to release, or short-term care for orphaned or injured wildlife while awaiting transfer to an authorized wildlife custodian, this course will benefit you. 

 

Designed for those who want to develop more than a basic knowledge of best practices in wildlife rehabilitation or common native wildlife.  

 

Information on natural history, habits, diets and husbandry for the care of common native wild animals is critical to successful rehabilitation. To help you make the best treatment choices for wildlife in rehabilitation you need to develop an understanding of what to do for common injuries and illnesses in various wildlife species and this course will give you that knowledge and confidence. 

 

This course will focus on common native wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles) admitted to rehabilitation facilities in Ontario, and will cover:

                                               

*  Injuries, diseases, illness and treatment including fluid therapy

*  Diets and formula—for all age groups

*  Housing and handling—for all ages

*  Enrichment for wildlife in rehabilitation

*  Keeping the ‘wild’ in wildlife and determining release readiness

*  Special handling for RVS species

           

Natural history, habitats, and food sources critical for best practices used in rehabilitation will be addressed through resource materials distributed to each student.

 

 

If you would like registration information sent to you if other future dates

(those not listed above) are confirmed, please email us at:

courses (at) owren-online.org 

Be sure to include: 

your name,

full mailing address,

postal code,

telephone number,

and your email address.

 

  

 

 

Would you like to have an OWREN Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills Course in your area?  You can !  We can send you our hosting requirements if you feel you can organize or have sufficient interest from enough individuals  to meet the minimum required for registration, to hold a class in your area.

 

Contact us at courses (at) owren-online.org if you need more information.

 

Courses can be arranged for any group in any location.  Vet tech students, government staff, humane society/animal control agencies, veterinary clinics, etc., will find the course content informative and helpful. Contact us!

 

 


Send mail to web (at) owren-online.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright©2009 - Website design and contents are the property of the Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Network
and may not be distributed, copied or reproduced without our express written permission. 

This site was designed at a resolution of 1024 x 768 for Microsoft Internet Explorer

Last modified: 11/11/09 04:38 PM