Technical schools offer individual courses, certificates and associate degrees. Programs include general animal training and specialized areas, such as zoo animals, wildlife or exotic animals. Some schools offer entire degree programs online while others require hands-on training.
General course work includes animal behavior, health, nutrition, disease and creating bonds between humans and animals. Specialized courses focus on certain animal groups, such as marine life, domestics and laboratory animals.
Depending on the offering institution, students pay by the month, course, in full or other private financing option. Students attending an accredited technical school are eligible for federal financial aid. Some schools offer paid internships upon graduation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for animal trainers are expected to grow much faster than average over the next seven years with the highest increase in spectator sports and amusement parks. On average, animal trainers earn from $20,000 to $30,000 annually with amusement parks and government entities paying the most.