Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate

Admission Requirements

• 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2

• 50% or better in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2

• 50% or better in one of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Science 20

• Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrolment and any available interim/ mid term marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.

Transfer Options: Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

Tuition & Fees

• Tuition: $3,145 / Fees: $860 / Books & Supplies: $400

Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.

* Please note that international students pay 3.5 times the domestic tuition amount. These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. All students should refer to the Fee Schedule for the most accurate information and all fees are subject to change.*

Tuition, Fees & Payments

Scholarships & Student Awards

Olds College offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards

Entrance Awards Available!

Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.
Not all that apply will receive an entrance award.

Student Funding

For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

Course Details

For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

Academic Calendar: Veterinary Technical Assistant

Career Opportunities

Olds College has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include assisting a Registered Veterinary Technician in locations such as:

• Veterinary clinics
• Animal shelters
• Boarding facilities

Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!

ALIS Occupational Profiles

Admitted Students Information

Immunizations

Admitted students should be aware of occupational programs where potential for exposure to animals with disease/infection is high. Please read more about program specific Immunization Information.

Program Dates

 Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

Class Registration

You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Technology Recommendation

It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College with the following technology:

• A mobile device, laptop, or tablet is preferred

As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

• Go to portal.office.com
• Enter your Olds College email address and password
• Once logged in there is a button on the right that says "Install Office Apps"

This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

Materials & Supplies:

Required items to be purchased before the start of your program:

• minimum of two sets of scrubs (can be any colour or pattern)

Information on other required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.

Textbook Order Form

Other Important Information:

This program does not qualify students to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, please refer to the Animal Health Technology Diploma program.

• Dress Code: You are required to adhere to a dress code that includes wearing scrubs and wraps in the hospital areas and laboratories, coveralls on the farm, and no revealing, torn, or dirty clothes worn during classes.

• Time Requirements: Students can expect to be in classroom or lab activities 25 hours per week and should plan to spend an additional 15-20 hours per week on studying, assignments, projects etc. The program may include field trips throughout the four month program. As this programs involves learning with animals, you will be actively involved in the animal care throughout the program. This includes one, 9-day rotation in teams (including weekend) caring for our cats and dogs.

• Physical Program Requirements: The VTA program is physically demanding and students must be in good health and be physically capable of performing the program requirements.

• Student Clubs: Animal Health Club

• Immunization Requirements: This program requires specific immunization requirements. Learn More