Fast-Track Your Animal Care Career with Advanced Standing
Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking to advance your career in animal care? Do you have significant experience or prior learning in animal-related fields? Ontario offers exceptional university programs in animal care, and many institutions recognize that valuable skills and knowledge can be gained outside of traditional classrooms.
If you possess extensive expertise in animal handling, veterinary assistance, animal behaviour, or related areas, you might be eligible for Advanced Standing or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) at Ontario universities. This can allow you to receive academic credit towards your animal care degree, accelerating your path to graduation.
Understanding Advanced Standing and PLAR for Animal Care Programs
Advanced Standing and PLAR are processes that allow universities to evaluate your prior learning experiences, whether gained through work, volunteering, professional training, or self-study. Through assessments, universities can determine if your existing knowledge and skills align with the learning outcomes of specific courses within their animal care programs.
Successful PLAR assessments or Advanced Standing applications can result in course credits, reducing the time and tuition needed to complete your degree. Each university has its own policies and procedures regarding PLAR and Advanced Standing.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to each university’s policies and procedures. Contact the university’s admissions office or relevant department for detailed information.
Is Advanced Standing Right for You?
If you have previous post-secondary education in a related field, applying for Advanced Standing is highly recommended. Universities often have established pathways to transfer credits from recognized institutions. Explore the specific credit transfer policies of the Ontario universities offering animal care programs to see if your previous academic work qualifies.
However, if your animal care knowledge and skills come primarily from practical experience outside of formal education, PLAR might be the more suitable option. PLAR is designed to assess experiential learning and recognize the competencies you’ve developed through hands-on work and self-directed learning.
Areas Where You Might Receive Advanced Standing in Animal Care Programs
Depending on the specific animal care program and university, you might be able to receive Advanced Standing or PLAR credit in areas such as:
- Animal Biology and Physiology
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- Animal Nutrition
- Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Animal Handling and Restraint
- Companion Animal Care
- Livestock Management
- Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Conservation Biology
- Ethics in Animal Care
Universities offering animal care programs may have specific assessment methods for PLAR, such as portfolio submissions, challenge exams, interviews, or practical demonstrations.
Contact the animal care program departments at Ontario universities to inquire about their specific PLAR and Advanced Standing options and assessment methods.
How to Pursue Advanced Standing or PLAR for Animal Care Programs
Step 1: Review Program Admission Requirements
Ensure you meet the general admission requirements for the animal care programs you are interested in at Ontario universities. Admission requirements typically include academic qualifications (e.g., high school diploma, college diploma) and may have specific course prerequisites.
Step 2: Self-Reflect and Document Your Prior Learning
Take a comprehensive inventory of your animal care knowledge and skills. Gather evidence of your experience, such as:
- Professional certifications or licenses related to animal care
- Records of employment in animal-related fields
- Volunteer experience with animal organizations
- Training certificates from workshops or courses
- Letters of reference from supervisors or mentors
- A portfolio showcasing your animal care projects or accomplishments
Step 3: Apply to Ontario Universities Offering Animal Care Programs
Identify Ontario universities offering animal care programs that align with your interests and career goals. When applying, indicate your interest in Advanced Standing or PLAR in your application materials or contact the admissions office to discuss your prior learning.
To be considered for Advanced Standing or PLAR, you should apply to the relevant animal care program at your chosen university and clearly express your intention to seek advanced credit.
Step 4: Follow University-Specific Instructions for PLAR/Advanced Standing
Once your application is received, the university will guide you on the specific steps to pursue PLAR or Advanced Standing. This may involve submitting a formal PLAR application, providing documentation of your prior learning, and undergoing an assessment process as determined by the university.
The university’s animal care program faculty will evaluate your PLAR application and assessment results. They will determine if your prior learning sufficiently meets the learning outcomes for specific courses within the program. Approved credit transfers will be recorded by the university’s registrar. Feedback on PLAR assessments may vary depending on the institution.
Step 5: Accept Your Offer and Register
If you receive an offer of admission and Advanced Standing credits, follow the university’s instructions to accept your offer and register for your program. Pay attention to deadlines and tuition fee payment schedules to secure your place in the program.
We encourage you to explore the excellent animal care university programs in Ontario and investigate how your prior learning can help you achieve your academic and career aspirations in animal care! Contact the universities directly for program-specific information and guidance on Advanced Standing and PLAR.
Two dogs are sitting in the back of a vehicle, looking out the window.
