The Animal Care Certificate of Completion Program is provided for students through Coastline College's Special Programs Career Options through Academic Support and Training (COAST) Program. Classes are taught by Special Programs faculty and mentored by field professionals. Students may elect to take Fundamentals of Basic Animal Care to learn more about the program or they can take the full series of required courses to receive a Certificate of Completion in Animal Care.

Special Programs is happy to host this three-semester program. Students will learn basic care for a variety of common and exotic animals found throughout Orange County. Classes will be held both at the Coastline College campus in Newport Beach and locally throughout Orange County at appropriate animal training sites including zoos, farms, wetlands, equestrian centers, and beachside.

In addition to learning basic pet care responsibilities, students will have the opportunity to take part in Animal First Aid training, basic grooming and training skills, exotic animal care and animal advocacy/conservancy skills.

Students graduating with an Animal Care Certificate of Completion will be prepared for many entry-level paid opportunities within this industry.  These jobs include entry-level Animal Care Giver (ACG), Assistant Animal Care Technician, Assistant Aquarist, Dog Trainer, Pet Groomer, Kennel Attendant and Farm Hand. In addition to vocational options, students are encouraged to volunteer in their communities through non-profit animal care options and participate in community stewardship activities.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills and experience required to take part in basic animal care activities.
2. Independently recall and perform best practices while participating in work activities alone or with faculty, managers, staff, students and customers.

This award confirms that a student has completed a noncredit program that prepares students to progress in a career path or to take degree-applicable courses.

Course List Hours

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