Work with Purpose

School of Animal Science

Build a Career Caring for the Animals You Love

At Rockford Career College, the School of Animal Sciences is where your compassion meets career opportunity. Whether you want to work directly with animals or take on leadership roles in the pet and animal care field, our programs are designed to prepare you with the tools and training employers are looking for.

Some of our programs are fully online, while others offer hybrid formats that blend online learning with in-person, hands-on experience. You’ll learn from professionals who’ve worked in the field and have access to career support to help you reach your goals, from your first day to your job search and beyond.

ANimal Sciences Programs

Diploma

Animal Welfare Administration

Explore the operations and management side of animal care—from nonprofit shelters to pet care businesses. Perfect for those who want to lead, advocate, or manage in the animal welfare field.

Length

9 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

61

Career Options

Animal Shelters, Veterinary Offices, Doggie Daycare & Boarding Providers, Animal Training Centers, Self-Employed Home Animal Care

Associate Degree

Animal Welfare Business Administration

Explore the operations and management side of animal care—from nonprofit shelters to pet care businesses. Perfect for those who want to lead, advocate, or manage in the animal welfare field.

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

110

Career Options

Animal Shelters, Veterinary Offices, Doggie Daycare & Boarding Providers, Animal Training Centers, Self-Employed Home Animal Care

Diploma

Veterinary Assistant & Grooming

Train in both veterinary assistance and pet grooming to open career doors in animal clinics, grooming salons, or your own pet care venture. This hybrid skill set offers maximum flexibility in the field.

Length

12 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

53

Career Options

Private Veterinary Practices, Dog Grooming Facilities, Animal Shelters & Care Providers, Animal Husbandry for Farms

Associate Degree

Veterinary Technician

Support veterinarians with patient care, diagnostics, client communication, and more.

Length

24 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

114.5

Career Options

Veterinary Hospitals, On-site Veterinary Services, Animal Hospitals & Shelters

Ready to Get to Work?

Supporting Your Success

How Rockford Works For You!

100% Online Learning – Our online programs allow you the flexibility to study from anywhere while balancing your personal and professional commitments.

Collaboration with Local Employers – Rockford Career College collaborates with local employers for industry insights to ensure your training aligns with real-world needs and student career opportunities.

Career-Focused, Hands-on Training – Gain practical experience through comprehensive training designed to develop marketable skills that are in demand in the animal care industry.

Expert Career Services Support – Receive guidance and support throughout your program from our dedicated career services team. Get resume help, job search assistance, interview prep, and more—before and after graduation.