Sheridan College understands that expertise in animal care comes from various paths, not just traditional classrooms. If you possess significant experience and knowledge in animal handling, veterinary assistance, or animal behavior, you might be eligible to leverage the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process to gain academic credit towards a Sheridan animal care program.
How Does PLAR Work for Animal Care Programs?
PLAR at Sheridan College, including for animal care programs, allows you to demonstrate your existing skills and knowledge acquired through work experience, volunteer roles, or self-study. This is evaluated through assessments, which could include challenge exams, portfolio reviews, or interviews, administered by Sheridan College’s Assessment Centre or an approved testing facility. Fees are associated with each assessment method.
Your PLAR application will be carefully reviewed by faculty experts to determine if your prior learning aligns with the learning outcomes of specific courses within Sheridan’s animal care program offerings. Successful PLAR applications can result in course credits, reducing the time and cost to complete your animal care education.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits are granted according to Sheridan’s established policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures.
Is PLAR Right for You in Animal Care?
PLAR is specifically designed for individuals who have gained substantial animal care knowledge and skills outside of formal academic settings. If you have prior post-secondary education in a related field, you should instead explore Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing allows you to transfer previously earned academic credits directly towards your animal care program at Sheridan. Explore options for applying previous credits to your Sheridan program.
Animal Care Areas Where PLAR May Be Applicable
Sheridan College offers various programs related to animal care, and PLAR might be relevant for specific knowledge areas within these programs. While specific PLAR challenge exams might not be listed as explicitly as in technology fields, the PLAR process itself is designed to evaluate a wide range of prior learning. Areas within animal care programs where your experience could be assessed for credit include:
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Behavior and Handling
- Animal Nutrition
- Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Animal Health and Disease Prevention
- Clinical Procedures (depending on program and experience)
- Animal Welfare and Ethics
It is recommended to contact the Animal Care program coordinator to discuss your specific experience and how it might align with PLAR opportunities within their programs.
To get a general sense of your preparedness, reflecting on your experience and comparing it to the curriculum of Sheridan’s animal care programs can be a helpful self-assessment.
How to Explore PLAR for Sheridan’s Animal Care Programs
Step 1: Confirm Program Admission Requirements
Ensure you meet the admission requirements for your chosen animal care program at Sheridan College. Admission is a prerequisite for PLAR consideration.
Step 2: Self-Reflect and Document Your Experience
Carefully document your animal care experience. This might include:
- Paid work in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, or farms.
- Volunteer experience with animal rescue organizations or wildlife rehabilitation centers.
- Certificates or training from non-academic animal care courses or workshops.
- Specific skills you’ve developed, such as animal handling techniques, medication administration, or basic first aid for animals.
This documentation will be valuable when discussing your PLAR options with Sheridan College.
Step 3: Apply to a Sheridan Animal Care Program
[Apply to your desired Animal Care program at Sheridan College]([Insert Link to Sheridan Animal Care Programs here, e.g., Veterinary Technician, Animal Care]). When applying, indicate your interest in being considered for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Step 4: Inquire About PLAR with the Program Coordinator
Once your application is received, contact the program coordinator for the Animal Care program you’ve applied to. Discuss your interest in PLAR and provide details about your relevant experience. They can provide guidance on the PLAR process specific to your program and how your experience might be assessed.
Step 5: Follow Sheridan’s PLAR Guidance
Sheridan College will provide you with specific instructions on how to formally apply for PLAR, including any necessary forms, documentation, and fees. Follow these instructions carefully.
Your PLAR application will be evaluated by faculty with expertise in animal care. The results will be communicated to you by the Office of the Registrar, and any approved course credits will be applied to your academic record. Feedback on specific PLAR assessments may not be provided, but the program coordinator can offer general advice as you navigate this process.
Step 6: Accept Your Offer and Plan Your Program
If you receive an offer of admission and PLAR credits, congratulations! Follow the instructions to accept your offer and pay your program fees to secure your place. Work with your program advisor to plan your course schedule, taking into account your PLAR credits.
Sheridan College is committed to recognizing diverse learning pathways and supporting your career goals in animal care. We encourage you to explore PLAR as a way to accelerate your education and build upon your existing animal care expertise.
