Course Information
Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation is designed to give veterinary and graduate students foundational knowledge in sea turtle biology, anatomy, and physiology and how each of these factor into the clinical care and management of sea turtles during rescue events and in rehabilitation settings. Each module of the course includes lectures by well-known experts in the field of sea turtle medicine and rehabilitation.
This course is offered entirely in an asynchronous online format and relies primarily on recorded lectures and assigned readings either from book chapters or primary scientific literature. Rather than having formal exams throughout the semester, students will participate in active and collaborative learning assessments that aim to enhance critical thinking skills and application of course material. Relevant case studies will be used to supplement each learning module topic to provide students with real-world examples of clinical applications in sea turtle medicine.
Course Syllabus 2025
Course Objectives
- Identify all seven sea turtle species and describe the biology and physiology of these species at each different life stage.
- Examine the role that anatomy and physiology play in the clinical treatment of sea turtles in a rehabilitation setting.
- Explain the process of sea turtle rescue and examine the factors involved in determining the need for rehabilitation.
- Identify common injuries, illnesses, and pathologies observed in sea turtles and assess different therapies/treatments utilized for each.
- Examine the principles of sea turtle husbandry and nutrition in a rehabilitation environment.
Course Topics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Stranding Response & Rescue
- Physical Exam & Diagnostic Imaging
- Critical Care & Emergency Medicine
- Necropsy & Clinical Pathology
- Therapeutics
- Surgery, Endoscopy, & Wound Care
- Water Quality & Nutrition
- Behavior, Enrichment, & Welfare
- Injury, Illness, & Disease
- Hatchling & Post-Hatchling Care & Management
Registration Information
How to Register
There are multiple ways to register for each course. Please review the Non-UF Student, Continuing Education and UF Student descriptions below in order to decide which method is most appropriate for you. You may also want to review our FAQ page or Contact Us to help differentiate between these options.
Student Enrollment Options:
Please note steps for application depend on current education level and University of Florida affiliation. Please see below for details to determine your application steps.
Non-UF Students:
- If you are interested in learning more about the courses offered by the UF Aquatic Animal Health Program, or the Care and Conservation Certificate, please complete a Course Interest Form
- Non-degree students pay the Capital Improvement and Technology fee.
Course Number: VME6015
Non-UF Graduate Student
Interested applicants must first apply as a non-degree student. Credits from this course may be transferable to your current institution. If admitted, additional instructions for registration will be provided. Cost: $550/credit ($1,650 total) plus fees
Students interested in CONTINUING EDUCATION can request to audit the course to receive their CE certificate.
UF Students:
Course Number: VME6015
UF Graduate Student NOT in College of Vet Med
Students not in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine will need to register through Student Self Service or Dept. Coordinator. Section is listed in SOC. UF tuition and fee rates apply.
Course Number: VME6015
UF Graduate Student in College of Vet Med
Students in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine will need to contact Jimmy Pastrano in order to register for the course.
Course Number: VEM5374
UF Veterinary Student
Veterinary students in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine will need to contact Sabrina Barot in order to register for the course.
Registration Deadline
Note: This class has limited enrollment and may fill up prior to the end of drop/add so we suggest registering early.
Spring 2026
Application Deadline | January 2nd, 2026 |
Registration Closes | January 16th, 2026 |
Classes Begin | January 12th, 2026 |
Cancel with FULL Refund | January 16th, 2026 |
Tuition Deadline | January 23rd, 2026 (3:30 pm EST) |
Classes End | April 22nd, 2026 |