How to Become an Arborist

An arborist maintains the health of trees and shrubs, especially in more urban areas. The overall field is known as arboriculture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• College Catalogs
• Computers
• Online Career Search

1. Be prepared to take a two-year or four-year program at any of a limited number of colleges offering arboriculture or horticulture-related degrees.
2. Check out the National Arborist Association (NAA) Web site (natlarb.com). It will give you a list of colleges offering arboriculture courses.
3. Choose a comprehensive home education course in arboriculture instead, also through the NAA. The Web site also gives information on this option.
4. Consider eventually becoming a consulting arborist through additional training and experience. Go to the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Web page for insight into this related career.
5. Become a member of organizations such as the NAA and the ASCA to further your career.
6. Receive certification from the International Society of Arboriculture for optimal recognition. Click on to their Web site at isa-arbor.com.

Tips & Warnings

• Enjoy physical, outdoor work immensely or you will be miserable in this career.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.