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Animal Care Aide Certificate

30-week part-time certificate in partnership with Vancouver Island University

Tuition: $2,020 approx + books included
Where: Comox Valley
Starts: October
  • Develop the practical skills and knowledge needed for employment in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and kennels.
  • Courses, held part-time in the evening, combine theory, classroom instruction, and field trips on weekends. 

Career possibilities: Graduates qualify for a variety of entry-level employment opportunities and provide valued support at veterinary hospitals, animal recovery shelters, pet stores, zoos, game farms, kennels, grooming businesses, and large animal farms.

Why Choose North Island College?

  • Less than a year to a new career. In less than a year, graduates are on their way to a new career. Courses are typically held in the evening, with some classes and field trips held on weekends.
  • Make sure it’s right for you. Before beginning the program, you will attend a mandatory information session, which will give you the opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the program.

Program Highlights

Through lectures and field trips, graduates of the Animal Care Aide certificate are prepared for work in the fascinating field of animal care. This part-time certificate program provides the knowledge and basic skills needed for entry level employment in animal care facilities. While the program emphasizes small animal care in hospital/clinical settings, the training is valuable and easily transferable to other animal care settings. It is intended for individuals with no previous formal training, but the course has been designed to help existing staff and volunteers who wish to upgrade their skills.

Career Opportunities

The program is designed primarily to meet the demands for trained personnel in veterinary hospitals and animal care shelters. Graduates may also find work and/or volunteer opportunities in settings such as animal recovery centres, pet stores, zoos, game farms and similar businesses, grooming businesses, kennels, and large animal farms.

Admission Requirements

  1. Completion of Supplementary Application form and Personal Profile Checklist form.
  2. Participation in a mandatory group information session. This is held to provide prospective students with an opportunity to become more familiar with the program in order to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the application process. Pre-registration is required. No charge.
  3. C or better in Applications or Principles of Math 11, Introduction to Math 11, Trades Math 11, Consumer Math 11, or NIC MAT 053,
  4. C or better in English 11, or NIC ENG 052, and
  5. Placement testing or instructor permission.

Program Requirements

Questions?

Contact:

Student Services
1-800-715-0914
questions@nic.bc.ca

Apply Now