Animal Care Technology Technical Certificate

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This technical certificate is a two semester program designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as animal handlers/veterinary assistants or laboratory animal caregivers. Students completing this program may seek certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). All courses successfully completed in this certificate program will apply toward the proposed AAS Veterinary Technology Program.

Admission to the program is competitive. A rolling admissions practice begins November 15 for admission into spring semester VET courses. To complete in the selection process the following are required:

Admission to the college
ACT of 19 or above or placement beyond DSP
Submission of high school transcripts or GED
Submission of all college transcripts if applicable
Application to the Animal Care Technology Program
Personal Interview and Physical Ability Demonstration
Completion of VET 101* and at least one additional course specified below
Background check (required prior to enrollment in VET 150*)
Psychological Profile (required prior to enrollment in VET 150*)

For additional information or questions about the program, contact the Mathematics and Science Division.

Summary of Required Hours

Fall Term

AGR 130 - Animal Science Credits: (3)
AHC 115* - Medical Terminology Credits: (3)
COM 100♦ - Fundamentals of Speech Communication Credits: (3)
or
ENGL 1010♦ - English Composition I Credits: (3)
VET 101* - Introduction to Veterinary Technology Credits: (3)

Spring Term

VET 110* - Applied Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Credits: (4)
VET 125* - Laboratory Animal Care Credits: (3)
VET 150* - Clinical Practicum I Credits: (4)

Total Certificate Hours: 23

Courses AHC 115*, COM 100, and ENGL 1010 may be completed either as Dual Enrollment as available, on-line or during the Summer Term prior to program.