FAQ's

Park Ranger Training Program

Northern Arizona University
Parks & Recreation Management Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to apply for admission to the Park Ranger Training Program?

	Download the application from the web site at www.prm.nau.edu/rangers .
	Complete the application, including your picture, resume and have it notarized and send it to the Director.
	When your application is received you will be contacted for an interview with the PRTP director. Upon completion of the interview, you will have finished the preliminary application stage and you may be tentatively admitted to the program. Full acceptance to the program will be granted after completing the following things: send in a completed Physical Exam form that says you CAN function in all phases of the training (form must be completed no more than 120 days prior to the start of the PRTP you are applying to attend) and pay your tuition.
	If you are applying as a credit student, apply for student admission to the university.

What is the difference between the 10 week fall course and the 13 week spring course?

	Both are the same number of classroom contact hours and essentially the same program.
	The fall class meets for 10 weeks, five days a week all day with evening fitness classes three days a week.
	The spring class meets Monday through Friday from 1-5PM and every other Saturday and Sunday from 8AM to 5PM with morning fitness classes three days a week.

Why should I attend NAU’s Park Ranger Training Program instead of another program?

This is a commonly asked question. Our standard answer is to suggest you compare credentials of the program directors, faculty, program content and student placement records of the places you are considering attending. The NAU PRTP Director has over 38 years experience in park law enforcement and has been running NPS approved seasonal law enforcement training since 1982. The faculty credentials are covered elsewhere in this document and at NAU you will receive instruction well above and beyond what the NPS requires in it’s basic 324 hour program. We offer 435 hours of training that includes an extended block of instruction in natural resources protection and mandatory physical fitness training as well as other additional coursework.

What is the difference between taking the PRTP for credit and non-credit?

	There are no program content differences.
	The application process differs in that credit students must also apply to NAU for admission, which includes forwarding transcripts and complying with other admission requirements.

Who are the faculty?

We have over 50 instructors who teach during the program. The majority are currently working as National Park Service law enforcement rangers and special agents, US Forest Service law enforcement officers, BLM rangers and special agents, Arizona Game and Fish officers, and other law enforcement officers from federal, state and local agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Flagstaff Police Department, and Northern Arizona University Police Department. All are highly qualified in the subject area they teach.

How much is the tuition and what does it cover?

	Non-credit tuition is $3,000 regardless of residency
	Tuition covers the cost of instruction, ammunition, use of PRTP firearms and related equipment and the use of some books.
	Credit tuition is 12 semester hours based on your state of residency
	Credit students in addition to tuition also pay a total of $385 in class fees for PRM 310 & 311.
	Link to credit tuition

How can I get a loan to help pay for the course?

One option is a Key Bank Student Loan. To use this option:

	Go to https://www.key.com/index.html
	Click on “Student Loans” under “Loans and Lines”
	Click on “Continuing Education Loan” under “Undergraduate Students”

This page provides information on current rates, an example of a repayment schedule, information on what you need to get the loan, and information about the loan.

	At the bottom of the page click on CareerLoan application PDF to download the application in Adobe PDF format.
	Fill out the 2 page loan application, sign and then return to:

Key Education Resources

Attention: Key CareerLoan

P.O. Box 55569

Boston, MA 02205-5569

Or fax to: (617) 426-3089

Once you send in your paperwork, you should receive a response within 2 business days.

If you have questions about your application or the process, you can contact Key Loan at 1-800-539-5363 during business hours (M-F 8a.m.-8p.m., Sat 10a.m.-2p.m., EST) or by email at EducationRes@keybank.com

8. Is housing available and where do I find it?

There are several housing options available: NAU Residence Halls pro rate their fees based on your length of stay, Camp Navajo Army National Guard located 10 miles from campus has dormitory rooms and there are various apartments around town who will write short term leases. We do not endorse any specific location but rather provide them as a service to you to choose from. Link to Housing page

9. What is the placement rate of students into jobs?

While we can not guarantee employment almost every past student who actively sought a job upon completion of the program has received at least a seasonal position. Agencies that have accepted our graduates include the National Park Service, several State Park systems, the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

During the PRTP we conduct application workshops, refer jobs to students and review and critique resumes.

Park Ranger Training Program

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