Are you passionate about animals and considering a career working with them? The field of animal care offers numerous fulfilling opportunities, from providing daily care to supporting animal health and well-being. If you’re searching for “Animal Care Programs Near Me,” you’re likely looking for accessible and practical training to launch your career. Coastline College in Orange County offers an excellent Animal Care Certificate of Completion program designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for entry-level roles in this rewarding industry.
Coastline College’s Special Programs Career Options through Academic Support and Training (COAST) Program is proud to host this comprehensive three-semester Animal Care Certificate program. This program is specifically tailored to provide students with basic care knowledge for a wide array of animals, both common and exotic, found in Orange County and beyond. Classes are led by experienced Special Programs faculty and mentored by professionals working directly in the animal care field, ensuring a practical and relevant learning experience.
The program’s flexible structure allows students to start with the “Fundamentals of Basic Animal Care” course to get a taste of the curriculum, or they can commit to the full series of required courses to earn the valuable Certificate of Completion in Animal Care. Classes are conveniently held at the Coastline College campus in Newport Beach and at various animal-related locations throughout Orange County. These diverse learning environments include zoos, farms, wetlands, equestrian centers, and even beachside locations, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings.
The curriculum goes beyond basic pet care. Students will gain valuable skills in Animal First Aid, basic grooming and animal training techniques, and learn about the specialized care needs of exotic animals. The program also emphasizes animal advocacy and conservancy, fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical animal care practices.
Graduates of the Animal Care Certificate of Completion program will be well-prepared for a variety of entry-level paid positions within the animal care industry. Potential career paths include roles such as Animal Care Giver (ACG), Assistant Animal Care Technician, Assistant Aquarist, Dog Trainer, Pet Groomer, Kennel Attendant, and Farm Hand. Beyond paid employment, the program encourages students to engage in community service through non-profit animal care organizations and participate in local stewardship activities, further enriching their experience and career prospects.
Program Level Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Animal Care Certificate of Completion program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the necessary skills and practical experience to confidently participate in fundamental animal care tasks.
- Independently remember and apply best practices while performing work duties, whether working independently or collaboratively with faculty, managers, staff, fellow students, and clients.
This certificate acknowledges a student’s successful completion of a noncredit program designed to facilitate career advancement or provide a stepping stone to degree-applicable coursework.
Course List
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | Complete the following: | |
| Semester 1 | ||
| SPED C001N | Employability Skills | 40 |
| SPED C094N | Fundamentals of Basic Animal Care | 40 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| SPED C002N | Problem-Solving in the Workplace | 40 |
| SPED C095N | Intermediate Skills in Basic Animal Care | 40 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| SPED C005N | Vocational Academics | 40 |
| SPED C061N | Interview Preparation and Readiness | 40 |
| SPED C096N | Introduction to Animal Care Vocations | 40 |
| Total Hours | 280 |
If you’re looking for “animal care programs near me” to start your journey in this fulfilling field, Coastline College’s Animal Care Certificate program offers a comprehensive and practical pathway to your goals.
