Associate of Science in Animal Care

This program has been specifically developed for those individuals who feel a strong attachment toward animals and want to work closely with them on a daily basis. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of animal care and management. The primary focus is on dogs and cats but students also receive instruction in the health maintenance and care of laboratory animals.

Many students who select the Animal Care program are actually undecided as to which specific area in the animal care field best suits them. One of the strengths of the program is that it exposes students to the wide variety of opportunities in the animal care profession. The College’s modern, on-campus veterinary clinic houses a kennel, dog training and grooming rooms and laboratory animal rooms.

Graduates of this program are prepared to demonstrate correct kennel management procedures; evaluate and modify canine behavior; perform basic grooming skills; and demonstrate proper health, safety and nutritional practices for companion animals.

Click here for Animal Health Programs department page.

This sample curriculum sequence illustrates how a student might progress through the program.  Course sequencing may vary as long as prerequisites are met.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester
Credit Hours
Spring Semester
Credit Hours
ACAD1001
First Year Experience
2
ANSC1010
Animal Health Skills
ANSC1003
Animal Care Management
3
ANSC1201
Introduction to Grooming
1
ANSC1005
Kennel Operation and Design
3
ANSC1400
Introduction to Animal Science
3
BIOL1001
Biology I
4
BIOL1002
Biology II
4
ENGL1001
English Composition I
3
INFO1001
Technology and Society 
3
 
 
 
ENGL1003
Writing about Literature
3
 
 
15
 
 
17

 

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester
Credit Hours
Spring Semester
Credit Hours
ANSC2000
Introduction to Laboratory Animal Science
2
MATH1200
College Algebra
3
ANSC2201
Intermediate Grooming
 2
ANSC2200
Dog Obedience
 2
ANSC2401
Animal Nutrition
3
ANSC2202
Domestic Animal Behavior
3
ANSC2900
Career Internship
3
ANSC2501
Animal Breeding
3
MGMT2500
Small Business Management
3
 
Elective (Humanities/Social Science)
3
 
Elective (Humanities/Social Science)
3
 
 
 
 
 
16
 
 
14
 
 
 
 
Total Credits:
62

Special Requirements:

All full and part-time students are required to demonstrate proof of medical insurance, a tetanus booster within the last ten (10) years, and a tuberculosis test within one (1) year to participate in animal laboratories, veterinary clinic rotations and career externship. Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis immunization is highly recommended. Students are required to either show proof of rabies immunization or sign a declination form. Students must be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to demonstrate the physical capabilities to work closely and safely with animals of all sizes. Students with limitations to movement, sight or hearing may find it difficult to meet all course requirements. For the health and safety of students appropriate attire will be addressed in all classes with laboratories.