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 AAS Veterinary Technology Program. Enrollment in VET 101* requires the following:

Admission to the college.
ACT of at least 19 or completion of all Learning Support Competencies.
Advising meeting with Program Director prior to registration.
Demonstration of at least 20 hours of observation, volunteerism or paid employment with an approved animal care facility.
Seats in VET courses above the VET 101* level will be filled with academically eligible AAS degree seekers first. Any remaining seats will be open to Animal Care Technology Technical Certificates seekers on a first come, first serve basis.
Students who wish to complete the certificate program in two sequential semesters must submit a graduation application packet to the college at the beginning of the first semester in which they are enrolled.

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

Summary of Required Hours

Fall Term 1

ENGL 1010♦ - English Composition I Credits: (3) ² OR
SPCH 1010♦ - Fundamentals of Speech Communication Credits: (3) ²
AHC 115* - Medical Terminology Credits: (3) ²
INFS 1010 - Computer Applications Credits: (3) ² OR
BUS 110* - Introduction to Business Credits: (3)
VET 101* - Introduction to Veterinary Technology Credits: (3)

Spring Term 1

AGRI 1020 - Introduction to Animal Science Credits: (3)
VET 110* - Applied Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Credits: (4)
VET 125* - Laboratory Animal Care Credits: (3)

Total Certificate Hours: 22

¹Part-time students may rearrange or delay courses with one exception: VET 101* and AGRI 1020 must be completed with a ‘C’ or higher to be eligible for VET 110* and VET 125*.

²AHC 115*, ENGL 1010, INFS 1010, and/or SPCH 1010 may be completed either as Dual Enrollment as available, online or during the previous Summer Term.