RRCC Lakewood campus
Program

Park Ranger Technology

Park Rangers supervise, manage and perform work in the conservation and use of resources in national parks and other federally-managed areas. They protect our wildlands and educate the public on their use. Their daily tasks are varied: they may carry weapons and enforce the law, they may perform emergency rescues and first aid. They may fight wildland fires or serve as an interpreter, guide and naturalist.
Location(s)
Lakewood Campus
Why Choose RRCC?

Deciding where to start your college education is a big decision. Whether you are earning a degree, brushing up on career skills, or seeking life-long learning, you will enjoy an environment of inspiration and support. It is our goal to create an experience that will enrich your life educationally, professionally, and personally to help you succeed!

Program Overview

The Park Ranger Technology Program provides training for those of you seeking careers in natural resource protection, interpretation, and management.

Today more than ever park rangers are advocates for our wildlands. Park Rangers work in urban, suburban and rural areas. More than half work east of the Mississippi. Much of their work is outdoors, but often they work in offices, especially as they advance to managerial responsibility. During their careers, most National Park Service Rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the country.

The Park Ranger Technology (PRT) certificate programs are designed around all agency requirements and allow students to design a program around specific interests, career goals, and previous training or education. The PRT Certificate Program is appropriate for the following individuals:

  • Students with a high school diploma, or some college, wishing to begin a program of study to prepare them for employment as a professional park ranger. In addition to the PRT Certificate of Concentration, the PRT program advisor will help you design an appropriate two-year associates degree that can be transferred to a four-year institution.
  • Students seeking part-time or full-time seasonal employment as a park ranger with an agency (local, state, or federal) which may not require a four-year degree. Students are encouraged to first consult with the PRT program advisor before beginning any program of study.
  • Students who already have a four-year degree in an unrelated field and who wish to make a career change.

A certificate or degree in Park Ranger Technology can prepare you for the following careers:

  • Park Ranger
  • Outreach Ranger
  • US Forest Service Recreation Ranger
Degrees & Certificates
Title Details
Park Ranger Technology AAS  |  60 Credits
Introduction to Park Ranger Technology CERT  |  6 Credits
Park Ranger Specialist CERT  |  32 Credits
Resource Interpretation CERT  |  32 Credits
Faculty & Staff
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Tuition Savings

Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.

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Academic Programs

Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.

high school students
Transfer Options

In collaboration with Colorado 4-year schools, Colorado has developed a statewide guaranteed transfer program to create a seamless transfer.

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Become a Student

Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.