Animal Health Technology Diploma
What can you expect from our program?
In the Animal Health Technology (AHT) program you will be trained to provide hands-on care to a variety of animals both large and small. You will be taught a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association accredited curriculum delivered by staff boasting over 150 years of accumulated veterinary experience!
Our campus features a small animal clinic, and a working farm with a variety of large animals on site. This provides our students with many opportunities to gain experience in handling, treating and caring for live patients of all sizes.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
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Hosting A Practicum Student
Olds College AHT and VMR programs are looking for locations to host students to complete their industry practicums.
What will you learn?
In the Animal Health Technology program you will learn diagnostic laboratory procedures, animal disease, anatomy and physiology, surgery and anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, dentistry and client communication. Animal Health Technology students work as team leaders with Veterinary Medical Receptionist and Veterinary Technical Assistant students to provide care for the animals in our program.
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As a graduation requirement, students will participate in a 6 week industry practicum, working directly with industry professionals. While not a guarantee, students find that often these placements lead to full-time employment.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Olds College has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Veterinary Clinics
- Diagnostic/Research laboratories
- Livestock operations
- Industry/sales
- Wildlife rehabilitation centres
- Zoos
- Educational programs
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Program at a glance
Length of Program:
16 Months
Program Intakes:
Winter, Fall & Spring
Delivery:
Olds Campus
Applications Open:
Oct 1, Dec 1 & March 1
Tuition & Fees:
Year 1: $9,490
Year 2: $4,040
Credential: Diploma
Length of Program: 15 to 16 months (offered in an accelerated format with minimal breaks)
Method of Delivery: Blended. The program will begin with two online courses which will be completed prior to arrival on campus. Upon completion of the online courses, students will be on campus for three back to back 4-month semesters, delivered over 12-months. See chart below or view PDF
Directed Field Study/Work Term/Practicum: Yes, this program includes a 6 week practicum at the end of the term.
Program Intakes: Three intakes per year: Winter intake (February/ March program start), Summer intake (July program start), Fall intake (October program start).
Program Dates: Please visit our Dates & Schedules page to confirm start and end dates of your desired program and confirm campus closures.
Applications Open: October 1 for the Summer intake, December 1 for the Fall intake, March 1 for the Winter intake.
Selection Process for Admission: Competitive Entry
The number of qualified applicants will exceed the number of available seats within the program; therefore applicants with the highest overall average will be offered admission. Applicants with lower averages will be placed on a wait list and contacted in the event that a seat becomes available.
Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, and Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details.
- Year 1: Tuition & Fees: $9,490 / Books & Supplies: $1,100
- Year 2: Tuition & Fees: $4,040 / Books & Supplies: $600
*These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. Please note that this is an estimate for domestic students (international students should refer to the Fee Schedule) and all fees are subject to change.
Important Information Regarding Schedule Adjustments and Intake Dates
Please note, due to scheduling adjustments related to COVID-19, the Winter (March) 2021 intake of Animal Health Technology was cancelled.
The next intakes of Animal Health Technology are:
- Summer (July) 2021 - applications opened on October 1, 2020 and it is currently full with a waitlist
- Fall (October) 2021 - applications opened on December 1, 2020 and it is currently full with a waitlist
- Winter (March) 2022 - applications will open on March 1, 2021
Please also note that 40 hours of job-shadowing or work experience are still required to be completed before an offer of admission can be made. We recognize that it may take longer to complete these hours due to the current situation with COVID-19, but it is still an important part of the admissions process and will not be waived.
What do I need to apply?
Admission Requirements:
- 65% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
- 65% or better in Math 30-1 or 30-2
- 65% or better in Biology 30
- 65% or better in Chemistry 30
- Complete 40 hours of job shadowing and/or employment and must submit a Verification Form signed by your employer, verifying the hours have been completed. PLEASE NOTE: Your application will remain "pending" until the Verification Form has been completed and submitted.
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (completed at minimum 3 years of formal education taught entirely in English or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants offered admission typically have an overall average in the required courses of 80% or higher.
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: It will be necessary to provide proof of enrolment in any required 30-level courses not yet completed (ie. a timetable, list of courses signed by the counselor/principal or letter from institution or staff/instructor) AND a final mark of 65% or better in the corresponding 20-level courses.
Alternate Admission: Prospective applicants who do not meet the academic requirements for the Animal Health Technology Diploma program may be eligible for alternate admission to the AHT Diploma program if:
they have a 50% or higher in the four academic requirements for the Animal Health Technology Diploma program (English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, Math 30-1 or 30-2, Biology 30 and Chemistry 30); AND
successfully complete the Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate program with a 3.5 GPA or higher
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes AHT applications from international applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note it will still be necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency. Further information is available on our website under International Students.
Directed Field Study Required: 6 week practicum in the industry to be completed at the end of the program (can be completed at a location of the student’s choosing).
International Students will require a Co-Op Work Permit as well as a Study Permit for this program.