About the Program

   Time 

The Animal Care and Training (ANCT) is a unique experience that combines academic classroom coursework with hands-on animal and zoo experience. Because of this, there is high time requirement. The Animal Care and Training Program requires a continuous two-year commitment. As part of the program curriculum, ANCT students gain hands on experience working at the Zoological Facility called The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College located on campus. This requirement is in addition to the time spent attending classes and extends the typical day of a "normal" college student. Students typically spend about 50-60+ hours a week on campus arriving early in the morning and leaving at end of day at around five in the evening. 

Considering the time spent at the zoo, in the classroom, and studying, there leaves little time for other outside activities and strong time management skills help aid in student success. It may also be difficult to maintain a typical job to provide financial support.  We highly encourage students to apply for Financial Aid & other assistance. Connect with a counselor to find out more. 

  Academic
Students are required to achieve a "C" grade in every course required while in the Animal Care and Training program. Any grade lower then a "C" in any of the required courses, will result in dismissal from the Animal Care and Training program.

Some classes that are part of the Animal Care and Training Program may be completed at Moorpark College before entering the program. These courses are listed below and still must be completed with a grade "C" or better.

ANCT M08 Applied Wildlife Conservation
ANCT M09 Animal Behavior
ANCT M09L Animal Behavior lab
ANCT M17 Animal Diversity

Safety

The zoo is the home to potentially dangerous animals. Safety is the primary concern of the program and there are rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of the animals, students, staff and faculty, as well as zoo guests. There is also risk for Zoonotic diseases for there is close contact with exotic species experienced throughout the program.

  Physical Demands
The care for and cleaning of animal enclosures requires physical work of bending, lifting and walking large amounts. Students should be able to do some moderately heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and work outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, including heat, cold and rain.

Students not only work with the animals at The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, but also help to educate the public that attends the zoo about the importance of wildlife conservation. This is done with Wildlife Education Programs or Shows performed in front of large crowds of all ages. A foundation of public speaking is strongly suggested and developed in course curriculum throughout the program.

These performance standards are reflected in the Animal Care and Training program courses and are to assist each applicant in determining eligibility and the need for accommodations or modifications. The ANCT Faculty in conjunction with the Moorpark College Health Services and community animal facilities will determine, on an individual basis, whether the necessary accommodations or modifications can reasonably be made.

Mobility - sufficient to rapidly walk the entire length of The Teaching Zoo without interruption, run distances of 50 yards, maneuver in small confined spaces while reaching overhead objects. Examples: running to capture an escaped animal, shifting animal cages in overhead storage areas.

•  STANDING/WALKING - The student must be able to move forward, backward, and laterally on dirt, gravel, asphalt and cement while providing and managing animal care, gathering supplies and medications, obtaining and returning equipment. Approximate distance = 3 to 6 miles. It is also necessary for a student to have the capability of maintaining an upright position during many functions.
• SITTING - The student must be able to sit while operating computers, answering the telephone, writing reports and documenting.
• LIFTING - The student must be able to lift floor to knee, knee to waist, and waist to shoulder level while handling supplies (5-10 lbs.). Lift and transfer animal, equipment and supplies up to 6 inches from a stooped position, then push or pull the weight up to 3 feet. Lift and transfer animal crates from a stooped to an upright position. Average lifting requirement is 50 pounds.
• CARRYING - The student must demonstrate the ability to carry items at waist level.
• PUSHING/PULLING - The student must be able to effectively move carts or wheelbarrows.
• STOOPING/KNEELING - The student must demonstrate the ability to move to low enough positions to retrieve supplies or animals.
• CROUCHING/CRAWLING - The student must demonstrate the ability to retrieve items or animals from under and behind items
• REACHING/STRETCHING/TWISTING - The student must demonstrate the ability to extend their reach and move appropriately when cleaning or building enclosures, moving animals, reaching for supplies.  

Motor Skills - gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective animal care. Examples: dexterity ranges from restraining a small bird or lizard to being able to stack bales of hay, lift 50lbs.
Hearing - ability sufficient to monitor and assess animal behavior and health needs and to heed emergency signals. Example: animal behavioral changes are frequently accompanied by vocalization, must be able to recognize these changes, hear cries for help.
Visual - ability sufficient for observation and visual assessment in well-lit and dimly-lit areas. Examples: observe animal responses and changes in condition, do a positive cage count of animals in varying conditions.
Tactile - ability sufficient for safe and humane handling of various-size animals. Examples: appreciation for the strength necessary for controlling a camel versus that for handling a rat, able to palpate the pulse rate of an animal.

  Teamwork 

Students work very closely with other students. Almost all the work done at the zoo is done as part of a team. This requires that the student have communication, conflict resolution, problem solving and collaborative skills.

  Other 

We aim to mirror current animal industry guidelines for safety, training and other typical aspects of animal care and management. Therefore, on occasion, students care for and nurse sick animals, including administering medications. Students are sometimes involved in evaluating the quality of life of geriatric or sick animals and may assist with the humane euthanasia of an animal when the time comes to end its life. This part of working with animals is difficult, we aim to help students process this difficult and emotional element.  

There are extra costs in addition to college enrollment and tuition. A Zoo Uniform is required at all times while on grounds, additional financial costs may include books, off-campus trips, internships called "Projects". 

Academic Prerequisite Courses 

There are 5 prerequisite courses students need to complete before starting the program. Students may have up to 2 prerequisite courses in progress when applying to be completed and transcripts need to be turned in by June. The others need to be completed prior to applying. These courses will help prepare you for the rigorous curriculum in the Animal Care and Training program. Typically, about 40% of the students in the program have Associate Degrees, and 25% of the students who start our program already have a Bachelor's Degree. The age range of the students may vary from 18 - 50+. Students who have recently graduated from high school, or those without an adequate academic preparation, may find the course work load & other time demands very difficult. Check out the demands of the Program to learn more.

Five Prerequisite Courses

1. General or Introductory Biology or Zoology course with a lab  - 4 or more semester units or 5 or more quarter units
2. Freshman College English Composition - must be 3 or more semester units or 4 or more quarter units
3. Public Speaking Course (Speech or Communication class or Acting class) - must be 3 or more semester units or 4 or more quarter units

4. Any college math or high school AP math with a 3 or higher score, and IB math with a 4 or higher - must be 3 or more semester units or 4 or more quarter units

5. Safety and/or  First Aid Course by accredited organization*
             * If you take a Red Cross or similar first aid course, this will count for your prerequisite.  If you desire obtain an Associated Science degree when completing the program ( and do not already have a degree), you will need to fulfill this GE requirement. 

The unit values may differ at various colleges, check with a Counselor if you have questions or see this equivalent charts for assistance. 

All Prerequisite Courses Must:
Be completed before you accept a position in the Animal Care and Training program- you may only have 2 prerequisite courses in progress at the time of applying. In progress courses must be completed by June.

Be completed at an Accredited College - They do not have to be completed at Moorpark College, yet need to appear on a College Transcript.

Be completed with a grade "C"  or better.

Some classes that are part of the Animal Care and Training Program can be taken at Moorpark College before entering the program. These courses are: 

ANSC M09 Animal  Behavior

ANSC M09L Animal Behavior lab

ANSC M17 Animal Diversity

ANCT M08 Applied Wildlife Conservation

What else is needed to attend the ANCT Program? 

Admission is dependent on clearance of:

• Proof of TDAP vaccine given in the last 8 years
• Tuberculosis clearance 

Other physical standards are part of the course work.

Below you will find the estimated general costs of college, including living expenses.  Moorpark College does not have dorms or any type of living arrangements for students. Students are responsible for finding their own housing, many students within the Animal Care and Training (ANCT) program live with other students and find housing through networking before the start of the program.

In addition to college enrollment and tuition, there are extra costs associated with attendance of the ANCT Program; a Zoo Uniform is required at all times while on grounds, additional financial costs may include books, off-campus field trips, and internships called "Projects".

With the high demand on time; students may find it difficult to maintain a typical job to provide financial support. Having financial needs in place or planned ahead helps a student focus on their experience and success within the program. 

If financial assistance is needed we encourage students to apply for Financial Aid & other assistance. Other student resources can be accessed at Raider Central Basic Needs.

2022 Estimated College Costs per year for the ANCT Program 

Applying to the Animal Care and Training Program is a separate application and acceptance from enrollment into Moorpark College. Acceptance into Moorpark College is also needed to proceed within the program.

One cohort of students is accepted each year starting mid-August, in the Fall Semester.
The application period is from January 1st through March 15th.
Applications received outside this time period will not be accepted. 

 To Apply to the Animal Care and Training Program: 
    Complete Animal Care and Training Online Application 

   Apply for Admission at Moorpark College - acceptance into Moorpark College does not mean acceptance into the Animal Care and Training program.
  Send copies of Unofficial High School & College Transcripts with completed Pre-requisites to ANCTapplication@vcccd.edu
     - Transcripts must be in PDF, JPEG, or TIFF format. 
     - Rename file to be your last name first name & transcript type separated by a period (.) Ex. Halpert.Jim.HighScoolTranscripts 
  Request & Send Official High School & College Transcripts to Moorpark College 
               Send by mail: 
                                Moorpark College Admissions and Records
                                7075 Campus Road​
                                Moorpark, CA 93021
               By email:
                              mcadmissions@vcccd.edu

All of the above information MUST be received by the end of the application period: March 15th. Information concerning a mandatory Applicant Information Meeting (AIM) will only be sent to those who have all the requested application materials on file by the above date.

Please refer all questions regarding the Application, the progress of your application, or the selection process ANCTapplication@vcccd.edu

Timeline of Application & Acceptance Process

These dates are subject to change

March 15th - Application Period Closes 
late March / early April - Applicant Information Meeting 
Early April - Notification of Selected Students 
June 1st - Deadline to Accept
June 30th - Last day to submit In Progress class transcripts
2nd Week of August - Classes Start  

Selection of Students

Moorpark College is a Public California Community College, admission to the Animal Care and Training Program is a lottery system. It is not based on grades, experience, education or any other factor. All students who have completed the application process at the appropriate time have an equal chance of admission to the Animal Care and Training Program. The application (Application Informational meeting) process includes submitting a complete application form, the required transcripts, and attendance at an AIM meeting as stated above.

After the AIM meeting is concluded, if there are still more interested students than we have space available for, a random selection will be made. The chance of being admitted is usually about 60-75%.

If not chosen for the first roster of students, an "alternate list" is created in case any students who are admitted decide not to attend. Alternates will be notified when and if a space becomes available and are offered a spot in sequential order drawn and listed. During the random selection process you will be notified if you have been admitted, are on the alternate list, or have not been randomly selected for either. If you are not selected, you will need to reapply for subsequent years.

Certificate of Achievement 

Upon completion of the curriculum within the Animal Care and Training Program a Certification of Achievement is awarded.

If you desire to earn a Associates Degree in addition to the certificate you will need to meet other General Education requirements for an Associates Degree. These are additional classes not part of the Animal Care and Training curriculum. These classes can be previously completed individually or as part of another Associates or Bachelor's Degree at an Accredited College.

Taking the additional General Education Requirements needed to obtain an Associates degree while in the program may prove difficult with the already heavy course and work load. 

For Other Recommended College Courses needed to complete an Associate of Science Degree at Moorpark College. 

There are 6 prerequisites students need to complete before starting the program. Students may have up to 2 prerequisite courses in progress when applying, to be completed and transcripts to be turned in by June 30th. The others need to be completed prior to applying.

1. Biology or Zoology course
   1. One of the following:
      1. BIOL M02A (General Biology)
      2. BIOL M01 (Introductory Biology)
      3. Zoo M01 (Introductory Zoology)
      4. AP Bio with a 3 or better on the AP Exam
2. College English Course
   1. One of the following:
      1. ENGL C1000 (previously ENGL M01A) (English Composition)
      2. AP ENG LANG with 3 or better on the AP Exam
      3. AP ENG LIT with 3 or better on the AP Exam
3. Any transferrable college level math course
   1. One of the following:
      1. college level math course i.e. MATH M05, STAT C1000, MATH M12, MATH 16A, MATH M11
      2. High school Algebra 2 with a grade of "C" or better (both semesters)
         1. This will meet the math prerequisite for admission to the program however a college level math course is still required from VCCCD Area 2 to earn the Associates Degree.
      3. AP Stats with 3 or better on the AP exam
      4. AP Calc AB or AP Calc BC with 3 or better on the AP exam
4. Public Speaking Course
   1. One of the following:
      1. COMM C1000 Public Speaking
      2. THA M02A Acting 1
5. Safety and/or First Aid Course from accredited organization
   1. HED M05 Safety and First Aid 
      *If you take a Red Cross or similar first aid course, it will count toward for your prerequisite. However, if you want to earn the Associates degree a course is still required from VCCCD Area 7.
6. 2.0 cumulative GPA

To see unit requirements and more detailed information see Prerequisite Requirements

The Animal Care and Training Program uniquely combines academic classroom learning with hands on experience on the grounds of The Teaching Zoo. The academic course work helps develop scientific animal knowledge with Animal Diversity, Anatomy & Physiology and Animal Behavior as well as teach animal care & husbandry in courses like Care & Handling, Animal Nutrition, Avian & Herpetology, Health & Safety to name a few. A unique focus of this program is the emphasis on Operant Conditioning Training & Wildlife Education.  This is mirrored in the coursework as well. 

          See Course Map for Certificate in Animal Care and Training for all courses

Some classes that are part of the Animal Care and Training Program may be completed at Moorpark College before entering the program. These courses are listed below and still must be completed with a grade "C" or better.

ANSC M09 Animal  Behavior

ANSC MO9L Animal Behavior lab

ANSC M17 Animal Diversity

ANCT M08 Applied Wildlife Conservation

Applying to the Animal Care and Training Program is a separate application and acceptance from enrollment into Moorpark College. Although both are needed to attend the program.

Applications are submitted online and open from January 1st through March 15th

           Learn More or Apply for the Program

Yes! We recommend coming on the weekend when we are open to the public, that way you can see what it's really like to be a student. If you are from out of town and visiting on a feel free to Fill Out Our Prospective Student Tour Request and we will be in contact to set one up. 

Admission is dependent on clearance of:

• Proof of TDAP vaccine given in the last 8 years 
• Tuberculosis clearance 

Other Physical Standards my be referred to under the Demands of the Program

Number of units for an individual course may vary from college to college. To ensure your course is equivalent to the needed courses use the IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) equivalencies. These are laid out on the Prerequisite Requirements Information Page.