Animal Health Technology Delivery Options

When applying for the Animal Health Technology (AHT) program, you have a choice of delivery options for the program. You may select to enter the On-Campus Delivery Option which occurs during the regular academic year, or the On-Line Delivery Option.

The on-campus and the on-line delivery options complete the same classes and achieve the same credential – Animal Health Technology diploma.

The on-campus delivery option features a mix of theory components and hands-on training during the two years at Olds College. This delivery option is completed over 22 months of study with a 4 month summer break between years of study. This delivery option includes a 6 week veterinary clinic work experience.

The on-line delivery option features on-line delivery of the theory components during the normal academic year. Students then attend the Olds College campus for intense hands-on training during the spring or summer months. This delivery option is completed over 26 months of study with a 2 month summer break between years of study. It allows the learner to complete the majority of the program at home, yet delivers the same amount of great hands-on training as the on-campus delivery option. This delivery option also includes a 6 week veterinary clinic work experience. With the program starting on-campus in July for seven weeks, this allows you to meet and get to know your instructors, the program expectations and your fellow classmates.

Students in the on-campus and the on-line delivery options are considered members of the Olds College Students’ Association and are able to join clubs, participate in College Athletic teams, have a Health and Dental benefit plan and have access to the College Fitness Center and the Olds Aquatic Center.

The decision to apply for the on-campus delivery option or the on-line delivery option is an individual choice. You need to decide which type of learning environment and option works best for you when taking into consideration your current lifestyle, learning needs, work schedule, family schedule, cost, etc… Both delivery options will provide you with the same solid education and academic courses.

Will students in the on-campus and on-line delivery options complete the same program?

Yes, students registered in either of the two delivery options will be required to complete the same courses and achieve the same standards.

Is the on-line delivery option completed entirely on-line?

No, students will complete most of the theory components on-line. Students will then be required to attend Olds College campus during predetermined periods of time for hands-on learning. Students in the on-line AHT option will also be required to complete a 6 week veterinary clinic work experience.

Are students able to change from one delivery option to another in the midst of their program?

No, once a student selects their delivery option, students must complete the program in the delivery option in which the student registered. The structure of the program and timing of classes does not allow for an easy transition and the alternate delivery option will most probably be full.

Are students in the on-line delivery option responsible for arranging their own accommodation for the on-campus components of the program?

Yes, students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation, which may include staying in the Olds College Residence.

Does the on-line delivery option allow students to work full-time?

Although the majority of the program is delivered on-line and your schedule may be more flexible, it is not recommended that you work full time while taking this program. Students are still considered to be full-time students. This would be an individual choice for each student.

During the on-campus portion of the on-line delivery program, we recommend that you do not have a full-time or part-time job. We also strongly recommend living on campus or in Olds during the on-campus portions as classes run from 8am to 5pm each day with additional study in the evenings and students complete animal care rotations.

Does the on-line delivery option have access to field trips?

Yes, the on-line delivery option students will be notified when field trips are occurring for the on-campus delivery option students. Depending on your location and schedule, you may join the on-campus delivery option students for the field trips. The on-line delivery option may also have field trips occur during their on-campus sessions.

Are animal care rotations (chores) involved in this program?

Yes, when students are on-campus (either the on-campus or the on-line delivery option), students will be involved in the chores and day to day care of the animals that are required for the program. Students are scheduled to complete animal care rotations on a weekly (Wednesday to Tuesday) rotational basis – this includes the weekend as well. On-campus students can expect to complete 3-5 week long rotations per semester for a total of 6-10 per year. On-line students can expect to complete 1 week long rotation when on-campus during July/August and 5 week long rotations when on-campus during May/June. We strongly encourage students to be located on or near campus to facilitate these animal care rotations.

Is the cost the same for each delivery option?

Yes, the tuition cost per credit for the on-line and on-campus programs is the same.

Does the on-line delivery option offer access to Instructors?

Yes, each course has an instructor and students are able to contact the instructor via phone or email. There is also on-line interaction with the instructor and the other students.

PROGRAM TIMELINE (subject to change)

	On-Campus Delivery	On-Line Delivery
July – Aug		Olds College Campus (7 weeks)
Sept – Dec	Olds College Campus (15 weeks)	On-line courses (15 weeks)
Jan – April	Olds College Campus (15 weeks)	On-line courses (15 weeks)
May – June		Olds College Campus (10 weeks + 2 exam days)
July – Aug
Sept – Dec	Olds College Campus (15 weeks)	On-line courses (15 weeks)
Jan – April	Olds College Campus (15 weeks)	On-line courses (15 weeks)
May – June	Clinic Work Experience (6 weeks)	Olds College Campus (10 weeks + 2 exam days)
July – Aug		Clinic Work Experience (6 weeks)