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Park rangers help visitors to nearly 200 million acres of public lands enjoy their visit to the nation’s parks and public lands.
They foster curiosity about natural resources, archaeological treasures, plants, and animals.
The U.S. Department of the Interior explains that the position of park ranger is represented by the National Park Service, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Many park rangers choose to work in a specialty area.
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Popular Programs
The cost of training to work as a National Park Service Law Enforcement Officer may be different, compared to the cost of some other park ranger programs.
Some other specialties include Interpretation, Resource Management, and Visitor Protection and Services.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Park Ranger?
People who are interested in a career as a park ranger have several educational and training program options.
The cost depends on the school or program. Students may also have to pay additional fees for supplies and equipment.
Community Colleges and Universities
Several community colleges and universities offer park ranger programs.
Check the tuition, fees, and other costs before enrolling in a program.
Colorado Northwestern Community College
The National Park Ranger Academy program at Colorado Northwestern Community College qualifies graduates to work as seasonal law enforcement park rangers with the National Park Service.
The rigorous program requires that students be in good physical shape.
They must pass a physical fitness test.
Students must also pass a background check and a drug screen.
Students learn the methodologies and skills to become law enforcement park rangers.
They learn leadership skills, teamwork, ethics, and discipline.
Out-of-state students pay a higher tuition amount than in-state students.
Some other costs include fees and housing for students who do not have their housing.
Temple University College
The Temple University College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is a full-time training program.
Students complete more than 700 hours of instruction and training over 19 weeks.
The program curriculum focuses on visitor and resource protection, natural and cultural resource management, and federal law and procedure.
It also focuses on officer safety and survivor skills.
Tuition for the program is $7,750.
Students also pay $700 for uniforms and equipment.
Program graduates receive a certificate of completion from the Temple University Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy and the National Park Service Law Enforcement Training Center.
Northern Arizona University
The Northern Arizona University Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is one of the training programs that is listed by the National Park Service.
It is one of the few nationally accredited programs that train seasonal law enforcement park rangers.
Students may also receive a Minor in Natural Resource Law Enforcement through the school.
The tuition and fees average $706 per semester for each credit hour.
Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from the National Park Service.
Certain other law enforcement agencies recognize the certificates that students receive.
How Much Does a Park Ranger License Cost?
The National Park Service does not require a license for its park rangers.
The park rangers who work in a specialized area, such as Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officers, are not required to have a license.
Park ranger programs that are approved by the National Park Service provide the certificates or certificates that are needed for the profession when students complete their park ranger program.
The schools usually include the cost of the certificate in the total program cost.
What Are the Additional Costs after Becoming a Park Ranger?
The training programs for park rangers give students information on the equipment and supplies that students need for the program at that school.
The school lists these things separately from the tuition cost.
Check the cost for these things in the program description or on the tuition page.
Is Becoming a Park Ranger a Good Investment?
People who enjoy nature and who do not want to work in a job where they sit all day may enjoy becoming a park ranger.
Park rangers are required to pass a physical fitness test, a background check, and a drug screen.
Make sure that you can pass these tests when you enroll in a park ranger training program.
Park rangers have the flexibility of working in a specialized area, such as becoming a law enforcement park ranger.
Combining law enforcement with working around national parks and other public lands is a great opportunity for people who want this type of career.
The salary for park rangers depends on things like experience and pay grade.
The site Indeed.com lists the average salary for park rangers as being $18.57 an hour.
The salary can go up to more than $27 per hour.
Becoming a park ranger is a good investment for people who enjoy the work that park rangers do, without having to pay for four years of college.
Key Takeaways
Park rangers complete a training or educational program that is approved by the National Park Service.
Completing a program qualifies graduates to work as seasonal park rangers.
Law enforcement park rangers and park rangers who choose another specialty may need to complete additional training or courses.
The curriculum is rigorous but well worth it for future park rangers who want a good career with a good salary.