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Career/Program Overview
RCTC offers three major options in Equine Science Careers: Equine Business Management, Horse Husbandry and Riding/Training.
The purpose of the Horse Husbandry major is to prepare students for careers in stable management, horse breeding, and horse care. Students will have the skills to manage their own home business, work for other professionals or pursue advanced training. Students may choose to use these skills to pursue horse husbandry as a lifelong learning experience or consider a transfer option by working with a four-year institution of their choice.
The purpose of the Riding/Training major is to prepare students to work as horse trainers, riding instructors, and show coaches. Students will have the skills to manage their own home business, work for other professionals or pursue advanced training. Visit us at http://www.rctc.edu/program/eqsc/.
Curriculum-at-a-Glance
Depending on the option selected coursework may include: Introduction to Equine Science, Farrier Science, Stable Management, Western Horsemanship I – III, Hunt Seat Equitation I – III, Fundamentals of Horse Handling & Training, Equine A & P & Disease Management, and Equine Business Practices.
For more detailed program information, refer to RCTC’s program course requirements at http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs/index.html.
Program/Degree Options
RCTC offers five credential options in Equine Science. An Associate in Science is available in Equine Business Management. Both a certificate and an Associate in Applied Science option are available in Horse Husbandry and also Riding/Training.
Program Start Date(s)
Students can enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. Some courses are prerequisites to advanced level coursework so preplanning is encouraged. Evening courses are available.
Career Opportunities/Information
According to the American Horse Council study released in 2005, the horse industry involves 4.6 million Americans, has a direct economic impact of $39 billion annually, and provides 460,000 full-time equivalent jobs. These numbers are likely growing and the industry is constantly looking for educated people to employ.
Many of the jobs in the horse industry are self-employment opportunities, especially training and teaching jobs. There are also many business owners who come to RCTC looking to hire graduates from the Equine Program. The opportunities in the horse industry include training, teaching, grooming, stable management, saddle making, nutritional consulting, breeding farm management, research, and veterinary work.
Articulations/Accreditations
RCTC’s Equine Science Business Management Associates degree is designed to transfer into the Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Industries Management at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Students may consider additional transfer options by working closely with a four-year institution of their choice.
Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations/index.html
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Contact Information:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904-4999
Contact Info: (507) 285-7210 or 1-800-247-1296 / TTY Relay 1-800-627-3529
RCTC is a University Center Rochester partner and a member of the MnSCU system.
© 2007 Rochester Community and Technical College, All rights reserved.
RCTC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.
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