Where Can I Find Distance Education in Animal Care?
Animal care professionals like groomers, trainers and kennel operators typically acquire the skills they need through apprenticeships and hands-on workshops, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, a few distance education options in animal care are available for certain areas of interest. The Pet Care Service Association, Purdue University and Washington State University are three institutions where you can find distance education in Animal Care. Schools offering Animal Care degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Pet Care Service Association
Formerly known as the American Boarding Kennel Association, the Pet Care Service Association offers short-term courses in pet care and kennel operations that students can complete through distance education. Available programs include:
- Certified Pet Care Technician Program: This program is designed for animal care assistants and animal care providers employed by shelters, kennels or grooming salons. The program provides exposure to various aspects of animal care, management, human resources and customer service.
- Certified Advanced Pet Care Technician Program: Graduates of the Advanced Pet Care Technician program who have at least one year of professional experience in the animal care industry are eligible to apply for the certification program online.
- Certified Kennel Operator: This advanced program is only open to professionals already working in a managerial position who have at least three years of industry experience. The program leads to an industry-recognized credential.
Purdue University Department of Veterinary Medicine
The American Veterinary Medical Association has accredited several distance education programs in veterinary technology, including the program offered by Purdue University's Department of Veterinary Medicine. The curriculum for Purdue's Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology degree is identical to an on-campus veterinary technology program, except that most of the courses can be taken online. However, because supervised hands-on experience is so essential when learning about animal care, some classes degree can't be taken via distance education. Students following the program are required to complete documented hours working with a qualified veterinarian to gain essential animal care skills that can't be learned through online or distance education.
Washington State University
Washington State University offers continuing education courses for veterinarians online. This top-ranked veterinary college, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, offers online courses, some in real time, on topics such as compounding drugs, keeping medical records and other aspects of animal care.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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