Park Ranger Training Program

Welcome

to Northern Arizona University’s Park Ranger Training Program (PRTP), one of only a few nationally accredited programs that provide the training required to work as a seasonal park ranger in law enforcement in the National Park Service. Upon graduation from the program, students receive a “Certificate of Completion” issued by the National Park Service. This certificate is also recognized by other land management agencies.

Since 1998, more than 650 students have completed the NAU PRTP program.

The program is offered in the fall and spring semesters with classes generally meeting all day, at least five days per week. There are several night and weekend sessions that are required. Fitness training is conducted three days per week in NAU’s new multi-million dollar Health and Learning Center.

Students interested in pursuing a Park and Recreation Management Bachelor of Science degree in conjunction with the PRTP have a 3 year campus or distance education plan (3NFREE).

3NFREE Park Protection Degree Plan - Campus - Distance

The program is offered with the following options:

· College Credit Option: 12 credit hours that can be used toward a bachelor’s degree. This is the preferred option for students that are working toward a degree or that may be considering a degree. This option requires admission to NAU and the cost is at the current full-time tuition rate.

· Non-Credit Option: This option is best for those that already have an undergraduate degree. The cost is $4500.

Applications are accepted on a continual basis. Selections for the fall semester (August-November) are generally made in May and selections for the spring semester (January-April) are determined in September. There is a high demand for the program and early applications are encouraged. The class size is limited to 26 students.

For more information, call Mark Maciha at 928-523-8242.

PRTP 2013-2014 Tentative Dates

Spring 2013 - January 15 to April 26

Fall 2013 – August 28 to November 20

Spring 2014 - January 14 to April 25

Fall 2014 – August 26 to November 24

Application Packet (.pdf)

To search the PRTP web site, type in the words you wish to search for in the box below.

Mark Maciha, Director
Park Ranger Training Program
Office: (928) 523-8242
Fax: (928) 523-2275
e-mail: PRTP@nau.edu

Address:
Northern Arizona University
Parks & Recreation Mgmt.
PO Box 15016, Flagstaff, AZ
86011-5016

Mark Maciha, PRTP Director

“If a trail is to be blazed, send a ranger, if an animal is floundering in the snow, send a ranger, if a bear is in a hotel, send a ranger, if a fire threatens a forest, send a ranger, and if someone needs to be saved, send a ranger.”

Stephen T. Mather, First Director of the National Park Service