Are you deeply passionate about animals and aspire to work with them daily? Becoming an Animal Care Aide offers a rewarding path to turn that passion into a career. This comprehensive, part-time certificate program is meticulously designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills sought after in today’s animal care industry. Whether you’re starting fresh in the field or are a current volunteer or staff member aiming to enhance your qualifications, this Animal Care Aide Program provides the necessary training to excel in entry-level positions within diverse animal care facilities. Through a blend of theoretical courses, engaging field trips, and invaluable hands-on experience, you will be well-prepared to embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to animal welfare.
Launch Your Career in Animal Care
The Animal Care Aide program is specifically structured to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary hospitals and animal shelters. While the program emphasizes the care of small animals within hospital and clinical environments, the training you receive is highly adaptable and relevant to a broad spectrum of animal care settings. Graduates of the program will find themselves well-positioned to pursue employment and volunteer opportunities in various settings, including animal recovery centers, pet retail stores, zoos and wildlife parks, animal grooming businesses, boarding kennels, and even large animal farms. This program serves as a robust launching pad for a fulfilling and varied career dedicated to animal well-being.
What You’ll Learn in the Animal Care Aide Program
The curriculum of the Animal Care Aide program is thoughtfully constructed to provide a well-rounded education, encompassing both theoretical understanding and practical abilities. The non-credit courses included in this certificate program are:
- Anatomy and Physiology of Animals: Gain a foundational understanding of animal body structures and functions, crucial for recognizing health and illness indicators.
- Radiology: Learn the basics of radiographic procedures, understanding how imaging technology aids in diagnosing animal health issues.
- Laboratory Procedures: Develop essential skills in laboratory techniques commonly used in animal healthcare, including sample collection and analysis.
- Complementary Medicine: Explore alternative and holistic approaches to animal care, broadening your understanding of treatment options.
- Communicating on the Job: Enhance your professional communication skills, vital for effective interaction with colleagues, clients, and animal owners in a care environment.
- Medical Nursing: Acquire core nursing skills for animal care, focusing on administering medications, wound care, and monitoring animal health.
- Surgical Procedures: Gain insight into surgical protocols and assisting in pre- and post-operative animal care, understanding the principles of a surgical setting.
- Office Procedures: Master essential administrative tasks and office management skills relevant to animal care facilities, including record-keeping and client management.
- Field Trips: Participate in two educational field trips to animal recovery centers within the mid-Island region, providing real-world exposure to animal care practices.
- Work Experience: Complete 20 hours of practical work experience in local veterinary hospitals or clinics, allowing you to apply learned skills in a professional setting.
This comprehensive program content ensures graduates are well-prepared for the diverse responsibilities of an Animal Care Aide.
Flexible Learning: Blended Format and Part-Time Schedule
The Animal Care Aide program is designed with flexibility in mind, delivered part-time over a 7-month period, spanning two academic semesters. The program utilizes a blended learning format, combining the convenience of online coursework with essential hands-on learning sessions held in person at the Nanaimo Campus. It is important to note that the in-person classes at the Nanaimo Campus do not offer an online alternative, as physical attendance is crucial for the practical components of the training. Classes are primarily scheduled on Saturdays, with the possibility of occasional evening sessions to accommodate diverse learning needs. The two scheduled field trips to regional animal recovery centers may take place on either a Saturday or Sunday, providing experiential learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom. Concluding the program, students will gain 20 hours of invaluable practical work experience within local veterinary hospitals or clinics, solidifying their skills in real-world scenarios. Work experience schedules may vary to accommodate student and facility needs.
To fully participate in the Animal Care Aide program, all students are required to have reliable access to a desktop or laptop computer equipped with a working camera, microphone, and a stable, high-speed internet connection. This ensures seamless engagement with online learning resources and virtual class sessions.
Admission Requirements for the Animal Care Aide Program
To be eligible for the Animal Care Aide program, applicants must meet the following admission criteria:
- Academic Qualification: Possess a Grade 12 graduation certificate or its equivalent, or qualify under the Trades and Applied Technology Mature Student Category.
- Age Requirement: Be at least 17 years of age at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: Have achieved a minimum grade of “C” in English 11, or provide equivalent proof of English language proficiency.
- Mathematics Proficiency: Have achieved a minimum grade of “C” in Math 11 (in Principals, Applications, Foundations, or Pre-Calculus), demonstrating quantitative reasoning abilities.
- Recommended Background: While not mandatory, a background in Biology 11 is highly recommended as it provides a beneficial foundation for the program’s science-based coursework.
Applicants who do not currently meet the Math or English admission requirements are encouraged to reach out for guidance at [email protected] to discuss potential pathways to eligibility.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Description | Date* |
|---|---|
| Admissions Open / Applications Accepted | October 1, 2024 |
| Information Session | March 27, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm Click here to join the meeting You may also contact us at [email protected] with any specific questions, and we will be happy to respond. |
| Application Deadline** | April 30, 2025 |
| Document Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline & Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due | Within 3 weeks of offer of admission |
| Balance of Tuition Due | August 8, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw (no refunds will be issued after this date) | August 8, 2025 |
| Program Start | September 6, 2025 |
| Program End | March 21, 2026 |
* Dates are subject to change
Program Costs and Fees
Investing in your animal care career is made accessible with the following program fees (subject to final approval):
- Tuition: Approximately $2,933.95 (pending Senate approval)
- Application Fee: $45.16 (approx.)
- Student Activity and Student Union Fees: $500 (approx.)
- Textbooks: $210 (approx.)
Please note that these fees are approximate and subject to change upon final approval.
Graduation and Certification
To successfully graduate from the Animal Care Aide program and receive your Program Certificate, students are required to complete all core courses, participate in both scheduled field trips, and successfully complete the 20-hour work experience component. Furthermore, consistent attendance is crucial; students are expected to attend all scheduled lectures, observation sessions, field trips, and examinations. Failure to meet the attendance requirements may impact eligibility for the Program Certificate.
Get in Touch and Apply Today
Ready to take the first step towards your animal care career? For any inquiries regarding the Animal Care Aide program, please do not hesitate to contact:
Yan Li, Program Assistant
Professional Development and Training
Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services
Email: [email protected]
To apply, please visit our Online Application Portal or utilize the Paper Application for Admission. A non-refundable application fee is required as part of the application process. Don’t wait to pursue your passion for animal care – apply today!
