Academic Considerations

Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to accepting a position into the Animal Care and Training (ANCT) program. These courses will help prepare you for the rigorous curriculum in the ANCT 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. 

Prerequisites for ANCT program

Prerequisites 

All prerequisite courses must: 

  • Be completed before you accept a position in the ANCT program. You may only have 2 prerequisite courses in progress at the time of applying. In progress courses must be completed by June 30th.
  • Be completed at an accredited institution. They do not have to be completed at Moorpark College however they need to appear on a college transcript.
    • If you have coursework outside of VCCCD please make sure to send your official transcripts to Admissions and Records. Your official transcripts must be evaluated by a counselor prior to starting the program.
  • Be completed with a grade “C” or better.

Two methods of fulfilling the prerequisite requirements

Method 1: 

  • A completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • If your bachelor’s degree is in progress, you can still apply for the program during the application period. However, your degree must be posted on your official transcripts and received by MC admissions by June 30th before starting the program in the Fall semester.
  • 2.0 Cumulative GPA 

OR

Method 2: 

Complete the following courses: 

  1. One of the following:

    - BIOL M02A (General Biology)
    - BIOL M01 (Introductory Biology)
    - ZOO M01 (Introductory Zoology
    - AP BIO with 3 or better on the AP exam

  2. One of the following:

    - ENGL C1000 (previously ENGL M01A) (English Composition)
    - AP ENG LANG with 3 or better on the AP exam
    - AP ENG LIT with 3 or better on the AP exam

  3. One transferrable math course

    - i.e. MATH M05, STAT C1000, MATH M12, MATH 16A, MATH 11
    - High school Algebra 2 with a grade “C” or better (both semesters)
              - Using HS Algebra 2 will meet math prerequisites for program admission however a college level math course is still required from VCCCD Area 2 to earn the Associates Degree
    - AP STATS/ AP CALC AB/AP CALC BC with a 3 or better on the AP exam

  4. COMM C1000 (Public Speaking) or THA M02A (Acting 1)

  5. HED M05 (Safety and First Aid)

    - If you take a Red Cross or similar first aid course, it will count for your prerequisite
    - Please note a course from VCCCD Area 7 is still required to earn the Associates Degree

  6. 2.0 Cumulative GPA 

Application Period: 

  • Application period is January 1st – March 15th
  • Please refer all questions regarding the progress of your application or the selection process to ANCTapplication@vcccd.edu

Note regarding ANCT courses 

The following courses can be taken prior to the start of the program. These courses are open to the entire student population.

General Education requirements 

  • Please see a counselor for the correct GE Pattern according to your catalog rights
  • GEs are NOT required for admissions however they are required to earn the Associates Degree
  • If you do not have other GE courses completed and you want to earn the Associates Degree at Moorpark College it is strongly recommended to complete the GEs before starting the program. Taking GEs with ANCT courses will prove to be rigorous.
  • If GEs were completed through a Bachelor’s Degree at an accredited institution, it will then earn the student an Associate of Science Degree from Moorpark College
  • If you have coursework outside of VCCCD, please make sure to send your official transcripts to Admissions and Records. Your official transcripts must be evaluated by a counselor. 

General Education requirements

  • VCCCD GE Area 3 – Arts and Humanities
    • Minimum 3 semester units; i.e. MUS M01
  • VCCCD GE Area 6 – Ethnic Studies
    • Minimum 3 semester units; i.e. ETHS M01

Transfer Requirements 

  • Transfer requirements differ by institution
  • Should you be interested in transferring, you will be required to take classes beyond the necessary coursework for the ANCT program. Please make sure to see a counselor.
  • Ensure you meet major preparation requirements required for admissions, GEs, and 60 units. 


Certificate of Achievement 

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

If classes needed to complete other General Education requirements for an Associates Degree have previously been completed either individually or as part of another Associates or Bachelor's Degree at an Accredited College it will then earn the student an Associate of Science Degree from Moorpark College. 

Still have questions about the ANCT program, progress of your application, or the selection process? 
E-mail ANCTapplication@vcccd.edu