Program

The National Ranger Training Institute (NRTI) at Hocking College is one of the premier training centers for National Park Service approved Seasonal Officer Training. Since the early 1980's, we have been providing the highest quality training to hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to find employment in the natural resources law enforcement and emergency services fields. Utilizing the finest instructors available and applying the most advanced training techniques possible, results in students who are well equipped for successful entry into the natural resources law enforcement field.

Participation in the NRTI requires that the candidate be willing to exert the maximum amount of effort and dedication. The training is by no means easy and not every student passes. Only the most highly motivated candidates should consider this program. The National Ranger Training Institute prides itself on graduating only the most qualified candidates. However, assuming that the student is sufficiently motivated, the NRTI staff will do everything in its power to make certain that the student succeeds in his or her endeavors.

National Ranger Training Institute Instructors
The National Ranger Training Institute instructional cadre consists of instructors specifically chosen based on their subject matter expertise and demonstrated skill as teachers. Many are employed full-time in some area of parks and natural resources law enforcement. Many are specialists, managers, and higher level officers drawn from a diverse range of local, state, and federal agencies. As such, they are in a unique position to not only offer excellent instruction, but also insight into the field as an avocation.

About the Program
The program is offered twice each year. Classes begin in January and August. An information packet is available for review, as is a deposit form. Submitting a refundable, $125 deposit will hold space in the class of your choosing.

Program Outcomes

The National Ranger Training Institute is a blend of the National Park Service (NPS) Seasonal Ranger Training, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Seasonal Wildlife Refuge Officer Training and Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission Peace Officer Basic Training. It consists of eighteen weeks or approximately 630 hours of classroom and laboratory training. The program provides seasonal law enforcement training certification for both federal agencies and is approved by the United States Department of the Interior. The program prepares rangers and refuge officers to perform law enforcement in areas administered by the NPS and the FWS, and in those areas that require peace officer certification. Graduates will be eligible to receive both NPS and FWS seasonal law enforcement commissions and state, county or local commissions in Ohio. These commissions enable the bearer to carry firearms, make arrests, and investigate violations of the Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Code and Ohio Revised Code.

Topics include:

• Criminal Law
• Search and Seizure
• Human Relations
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Defensive Tactics and Arrest Techniques
• Patrol Operations
• Criminal Investigation
• Firearms
• National Park Service
• Physical Fitness
• Homeland Security

Gainful Employment Disclosure
2011-2012 Academic Year

Cost of Program
Tuition and Fees: $4,362
Books and Supplies: $450
On-Campus Room and Board: $4,630

Length of Program
Time to Complete: 2 Quarters
% On Time Completion: 61%

Employment
Links to Job Placement/Types: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
SOC Codes: 33-3031 Fish and Game Warden; 33-3051 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Job Placement Rate: N/A

Median Debt
Federal Loans: N/A
Private Educational Loans: N/A
Institution Financing Plans: N/A

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

We serve two groups of students. One group consists of students working towards an Associate Degree in Natural Resources Law Enforcement. These students take the National Ranger Training Program as the final step in their academic career, prior to seeking employment as rangers. The second group is made up of students from throughout the country seeking the necessary certification to apply for seasonal law enforcement positions. Due to the short length of time needed to complete the program, many students find it possible to travel to Hocking College, take the course, and return home, without the disruption to their lives that a longer program would entail. These students are especially welcome due to the unique perspective they bring to the program.