Animal Care Assistant
Program Advantages
The Animal Care Assistant Certificate program is designed for students who want to work in the animal care field or to gain skills to help them transfer into, and succeed in, Alfred State College’s Veterinary Technician AAS program. The Animal Care Certificate gives these students hands-on skills that will help them find employment in animal care, or to develop the skills and knowledge to help them be successful in a Veterinary Technician or another animal care related academic program if they wish to continue their education after completing the certificate.
Program Length and Degree Type:
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Properly utilize terminology related to the anatomy of domestic large and small animal species, directional terms and positions, medical abbreviations, and record keeping.
- Safely and properly restrain common domestic large and small animal species.
- Successfully care for and perform specific husbandry tasks related to common domestic large and small animal species.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic behaviors of common domestic large and small animal species.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Courses You May Take
First Semester
| ANSC1204 | Introduction to Animal Science | 4 |
| AGRI1001 | Farm Practicum I | 1 |
| VETS1002 | Applied Veterinary Med Term | 2 |
| MATHXXX3 | 3 | |
| XXXXXXX3 | Technical Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Second Semester
| ANSC3203 | Dairy Cattle Production I | 3 |
| VETS1203 | Intro to Veterinary Technology | 3 |
| VETS2333 | Domestic Animal Behavior | 3 |
| ANSC2114 | Dom Animal Anat & Phys | 4 |
| AGRI2001 | Farm Practicum II | 1 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Entrance Requirements
Required
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Biology (Living Environment)
Recommended
- Chemistry
Skills You'll Learn
In animal care, you’ll learn the language of the field, including proper terminology, record keeping, and medical abbreviations, while gaining an introduction to animal anatomy and behavior. You’ll also gain hands-on experience safely restraining both large and small animals and performing daily husbandry tasks. These practical skills build the confidence you need to succeed in entry-level roles in animal care or related fields.
Facilities and Labs
Alfred State provides labs, equipment, and learning spaces that mirror the tools and technology used in the real world.
With 200+ labs on campus and experiential learning in every major, you’ll work with the same resources the pros use and be ready for the workplace on day one.
LAND A GREAT CAREER
Wondering where your skills can take you? Our career tool lets you explore real job titles, key skills, salary ranges, and job outlook data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics nationally or for New York State.
See how your Alfred State degree connects directly to in-demand careers and start planning your future with confidence.
MEET OUR FACULTY
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
You've seen our wide variety of majors at Alfred State, our great faculty who help you build your skills, and that you can do it at an incredible low cost. Now's the time to become an Alfred State Pioneer.
