Field Requirement

All certificate program students must complete the field requirement - 40 hours of hands-on experience as a volunteer or employee in a position related to your program. 

Begin by identifying a local employment or volunteer opportunity; then submit your Field Registration form for approval. Approval must be given before accumulating field hours. Forms should either be uploaded to the student account, sent by FAX to 866-351-6911, or via e-mail to Laura Hoyt at [email protected].

Students may fulfill the volunteer or employment requirement by completing their hours at one or multiple institutions. Field Registration forms must be filled out and approved for each institution. Students may complete their hours at any time after admission and prior to the issuance of their certificate.

Once the position has been approved, we will send you an hour sheet so that you may begin recording your hours. Any hours worked prior to the registration of the position can not be submitted. 

Students pursuing more than one certificate must complete the Field Requirement separately for each certificate program, with the following exceptions: Only one 40 hour requirement is needed for Canine Training & Behavior, Advanced Canine Training, Canine Sports Training, and Service & Therapy Dog Training programs combined; only 40 total hours are needed for both Feline Training & Behavior and the Advanced Feline Training programs; only 40 total hours are needed for both Equine Behavior & Management and Advanced Equine Training.

All requirements must be met and the appropriate work submitted prior to the issuance of a student’s certificate. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call (866) 755-0448 or e-mail Laura Hoyt at [email protected]. 

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Please note that Minnesota students will be required to complete a final written project in lieu of the field experience requirement. Contact your academic advisor for additional information.