Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate
“Olds College helped to prepare me for work in a veterinary office environment by providing me with the practical knowledge and training in animal handling. The experience as a whole was fun, interactive and personally satisfying.”
Allison Letkeman, Class of 2016
What can you expect from the program?
The Veterinary Technical Assistant is a valued member of a veterinary practice team and works alongside veterinary professionals, Animal Health Technicians, and shelter staff in the small animal industry.
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.
What will you learn?
In this program, you will learn the principles and procedures of the veterinary industry through a combination of classroom and hands-on work with small animals in our hospital setting. You will learn about veterinary equipment, instrumentation, patient preparation, and animal handling skills.
This is an entry level program that introduces students to the veterinary industry and animal care. In as little as four months you could receive a Veterinary Technical Assistant certificate.
- Work confidently with small animals to provide care in a hospital setting
- Understand basic veterinary terminology
- Understand common medical and surgical procedures in veterinary medicine
- Identify, care for and maintain veterinary equipment and instruments
- Provide basic care and husbandry to cats/dogs
- Work professionally in a veterinary setting
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!
Program at a glance
Length of Program:
4 Months
Program Intake:
Fall Intake
Delivery:
Olds Campus
Applications Open:
October 1
Tuition & Fees:
$3,570*
Credential: Certificate
Length of Program: 4 months
Method of Delivery: On-Campus Delivery
Program Intakes: Fall Intake (September 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 Fall Intake
Selection Process for Admission: First qualified, First accepted
Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, and Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details.
- Tuition & Fees: $3,570 / Books & Supplies: $400
*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.
What do I need to apply?
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 (completed at minimum 3 years of formal education taught entirely in English or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)
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.
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. Further information can be found on our website under International Students.