Animal Health Technology (AHT)
Online Summer 2012 Program
Application Information

Application Procedure

Submit an Application on-line. Olds College will accept applications as of November 1, 2011 for July 2012 (on-line) entry programs
Applicants are required to submit a Work Experience Verification Form, this form is now available online at the AHT Homepage

All documentation - transcripts/timetable/proof of enrollment and the Work Experience Verification form - must then be submitted to Olds College as soon as possible, as selections are based on a first qualified, first admittted basis

Admission Requirements

High School Diploma
60% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
60% or better in Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30
60% or better in Biology 30
60% or better in Chemistry 30
Complete 40 hours or volunteer and/or paid work experience
Submit a Work Experience Verification Form to verify your 40 hours

Applicants currently in Grade 12 or currently/requiring upgrading

Must submit, a current high school and/or upgrading transcript of completed courses and a list or timetable of all courses to be taken in grade 12 or proof of enrolment in the upgrading course(s) including any interim, midterm or final marks if available
Applicants that have not yet taken their required 30-level course(s) must present proof of enrolment in these courses (a timetable, list of courses from counsellor/principal or letter from institution or staff/instructor). In addition, applicants must submit a final mark of 60% or better in the corresponding 20-level course(s) upon application (academic upgrading applicants are exempt from this last statement).
Applicants that have not yet taken their required 30-level course(s) and did not achieve the appropriate mark in the corresponding 20-level course(s) may submit an application once an appropriate mark (can be a midterm or interim mark) is available in the 30-level required course(s)
All final marks are then required to be submitted one month prior to the program start date

Early Admission

(a seat is held for you conditional upon successful completion of your outstanding academic requirements)

Applicants may be granted Early Admission upon submission of

A final mark of 60% or better in any completed 30-level academic admission requirements and
Proof of enrolment (a timetable, list of courses from counsellor/principal or letter from institution or staff/instructor) in any outstanding 30-level academic admission requirements. Applicants must also submit a final mark of 60% or better in the corresponding 20-level course(s) (academic upgrading applicants are exempt from this last statement).
The Work Experience Verification Form verifying completion of the required 40 hours

Full Admission

Applicants may be granted full admission upon submission of

A final transcript showing proof of a high school diploma and successful completion of the academic admission requirements with final marks of 60% or better
The Work Experience Verification Form verifying completion of the required 40 hours

ON-LINE Delivery Option – GRADE 12 APPLICANTS AND UPGRADING ONLY – applicants taking any of the required 30-level course(s) in the second semester of grade 12 may be granted full admission based on 30-level first semester final marks of 60% or better and 30-level second semester marks of 60% or better as of June 1, 2012. This is due to final marks for second semester of grade 12 being unavailable by the submission deadline of June 1, 2012. The expectation is that you have completed your course work and are waiting to write the Provincial/Final exam.

Alternate Admission Status

Alternate Admission Status will apply for those students that have not achieved the high school diploma admission requirement. The applicant must meet all academic course requirements and complete the volunteer and/or paid work experience hours.

40 Hours of Volunteer and/or Paid Work Experience

The 40 hours of required volunteer and/or paid work experience in a single Canadian veterinary clinic is an important part of your application to the Olds College Animal Health Technology (AHT) program. This practical experience should provide you with an opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the duties an Animal Health Technologist (AHT) performs.

40 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience must be completed in a single Canadian veterinary clinic (not an SPCA or animal shelter)
The hours must be completed within two years prior to the program start date (ie. September 1, 2010 to September 1, 2012 for the September 2012 On-Campus Delivery Option and July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012 for the July 2012 On-Line Delivery Option).
These work experience hours do not have to be completed through a school program/class.
The volunteer and/or paid work experience hours must be completed prior to the supervisor/employer signing the Work Experience Verification Form.

Work Experience Verification Form

This form must be signed by the Veterinarian, AHT, or person who most closely supervised the applicant in the Veterinary Clinic where they gained their work experience hours. This form may only be signed and submitted to Olds College after the minimum of 40 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience have been completed. Verification forms signed by family or friends will not be accepted. Only one Work Experience Verification Form is required.

Work Experience Verification Form - available now on the AHT Homepage

Getting the most out of your work experience

We encourage you to show this information to your supervisor where you will complete your work experience hours.

In order to help you get the most out of your work experience we are supplying you with a list of areas and duties which you should try to become familiar with. These areas and duties are a recommendation only and not a requirement that become familiar with the following list.

Cleanliness and sanitation procedures

Basic animal handling

Basic animal husbandry (feeding, grooming, care)

Different species and breeds of animals

Clinic safety protocols

Laboratory procedures such as a CBC or Urinalysis

Anaesthesia and surgical procedures

Small animal and equine dentistry

Cleaning instruments, making packs and autoclaving

Inventory control and ordering

Reception such as phones and client interactions, filing, computer input and billing

Euthanasia and necropsy

The Animal Health Technologist is an integral part of the animal health field. The Animal Health Technologist(s) at your work experience clinic will most likely be happy to share their wealth of knowledge and answer your questions about this exciting career.

Program Selection

Selection for the Animal Health Technology program is on a first qualified, first admitted basis and is based on:

Academic admission requirements
40 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience
Work Experience Verification Form

An application and all required documentation must be received prior to the application being assessed for Early or Full Admission.

Once the program is full, qualified applicants will be placed on the waitlist.

Notes

Students are actively involved in animal care throughout the program. It will be necessary that students perform duties outside of regular class hours and on weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
Applicants are advised that the Animal Health Technology program is physically demanding. Students should be in good health and be physically capable of performing the program requirements (ie. walking dogs for ½ hour in all weather conditions, lifting 30 lbs, handling gates/fences, etc…)
All students enrolled in the AHT program are required to be immunized against Rabies. The Rabies vaccine will be provided at Olds College during the first two months of the program.
The capacity in the Animal Health Technology program is 30 students for the On-Campus Delivery Option and 30 students for the On-Line Delivery Option.

Professional Requirements

Most provincial/territorial associations require membership to work as an Animal Health Technologist.

In Alberta, membership in the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists (AAAHT) is compulsory for an AHT employed in veterinary medicine. Successful completion of the Veterinary Technologist National Examination (VTNE) is required for AAAHT membership. An opportunity to write this exam occurs after completion of all program components (June and January of each year). Fees for this exam are approximately $300.00. Student membership in the AAAHT is required for students working in a veterinary practice between their first and second year. The approximate cost for membership is $100.00. Students will receive information and application forms for the AAAHT within the first month at Olds College. Please contact the Association outside of Alberta in the province where you plan to work for their membership requirements

IF YOU ARE OFFERED A SEAT IN THE PROGRAM

A seat will be held for you on the condition that you meet any outstanding academic requirements and submit a final transcript and a $500.00 tuition deposit by the specified date.