7 Month Part-time Certificate Program - Blended Format (online and in-class)
Are you passionate about working with and caring for animals? As an Animal Care Aide, you can be part of a dynamic team of animal care professionals. This part-time, non-credit certificate program provides you with the knowledge and basic skills needed for much in-demand entry-level employment in animal care facilities through theory courses, field trips and hands-on work experience. Whether you are someone with no previous formal training, or an existing staff or volunteer wishing to upgrade your skills and get a recognized credential, this program can provide you with what is needed to work as an Animal Care Aide.
Career Opportunities
The program is designed to meet the demands for trained personnel in veterinary hospitals and animal care shelters. The program emphasizes small animal care in hospital/clinical settings, with valuable training that is transferable to other animal care settings. Graduates may also find work and/or volunteer opportunities in settings such as: animal recovery centres, pet stores, zoos, game farms, grooming businesses, kennels, and large animal farms.
Program Content
The program consists of the following non-credit courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
- Radiology
- Laboratory Procedures
- Complementary Medicine
- Communicating on the Job
- Medical Nursing
- Surgical Procedures
- Office Procedures
- 2 Field Trips
- 20 hours of Work Experience
Course Delivery
The program is delivered on a part-time basis, over a 7 month period, or two semesters.
Classes will be held in a blended format, with some classes held online, and some classes face-to-face at the Nanaimo Campus for hands-on learning. Note that there is no online option for classes held at the Nanaimo Campus, so students are expected to attend these classes in person. Classes are presented on Saturdays, with the possibility of occasional evening classes. There will also be two field trips at animal recovery centres in the mid-Island region which may occur on a Saturday or Sunday. The end of the program has students gaining 20 hours of valuable work experience at local veterinary hospitals or clinics. Schedules for the work experience may vary.
All students must have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a working camera, audio and strong internet service in order to complete this program.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent, or Trades and Applied Technology Mature Student Category
- Minimum 17 years of age
- Minimum "C" in English 11, or equivalent
- Minimum "C" in Math 11 (Principals, Applications, Foundations, or Pre-Calculus)
- Recommended: Biology 11
If you do not meet the Math or English admission requirement, please contact us at pdt.hhs@viu.ca.
Important Program Dates*
| Description | Date* |
|---|---|
| Admissions Open / Applications Accepted | Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed. Applications for Fall 2026 will open October 1, 2025 |
| Information Session |
TBA You may also contact us at pdt.hhs@viu.ca with any specific questions, and we will be happy to respond. |
| Application Deadline** | April 30, 2025 |
| Document Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline & Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due | Within 3 weeks of offer of admission |
| Balance of Tuition Due | August 8, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw (no refunds will be issued after this date) | August 8, 2025 |
| Program Start | September 6, 2025 |
| Program End | March 21, 2026 |
* Dates are subject to change
Program Fees
Tuition and Fees are subject to final approval
- Tuition: Approximately $2,933.95 (pending Senate approval)
- Application Fee: $45.16 (approx.)
- Student Activity and Student Union Fees: $500 (approx.)
- Textbooks: $210 (approx.)
- VIUSU Health and Dental: $285 per year. The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer. Please see the VIUSU website for details on their health and dental plan. Students may opt out of the plan if they have other extended coverage.
Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete all core courses, field trips and 20 hours of work experience in order to be eligible for the Program Certificate.
Students are required to attend all scheduled lectures, observations, field trips, and exams. If you do not meet the attendance requirements, you may not qualify for the Program Certificate.
Program Contact
Yan Li, Program Assistant
Professional Development and Training
Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services
Email: PDT.HHS@viu.ca
How to Apply
Apply Online or use a paper application for admission. An application fee is required.
Please Note: The September 6, 2025 program start is full. Waitlist being taken.
