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Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate

Veterinary Medical Receptionist

Make a career out of your love for both people and animals!

Please note: This webpage has been updated to reflect changes that will be effective as of Summer 2025. Please review the 2024/2025 Academic Calendar for current program details. 

In this program you will learn to provide client care as the “face of the practice.” Learning a variety of office administration, customer service and veterinary medicine skills from trained Registered Veterinary Technologist instructors, you will gain all the skills you need to be an asset to any veterinary team. You will also learn alongside Veterinary Technology Diploma students and Veterinary Technical Assistant students in the animal hospital.

Work Integrated Learning

As part of the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program, you will complete a three-week industry practicum, working directly with industry professionals.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Veterinary Medical Receptionist.

Program Intake

Three intakes per year: Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May)

Applications Open

  • Fall Intake - First Wednesday of October (9 a.m.)
  • Winter Intake - First Wednesday of February (9 a.m.)
  • Spring Intake - First Wednesday of June (9 a.m.)

    • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
    • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 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 enrollment and any available interim/midterm 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.

    Alternate Admission: Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants will be asked to provide the following:

    1. (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
    2. (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
      • Introduce yourself
      • Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
      • Elaborate on your career goals
      • Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
    3. (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc. for the last 5 years
    4. (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
    5. (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)

    *Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*

    Directed Field Study Required: Students are required to complete a three-week (160 hour) practicum at the end of the program in order to successfully graduate.

    Transfer Options: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology 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.

  • Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.

    Tuition, Fees & Payments

    Scholarships & Student Awards

    Olds College of Agriculture & Technology 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.

  • Please note: This webpage has been updated to reflect changes that will be effective as of Summer 2025. Please review the 2024/2025 Academic Calendar for current program details. 
    Term 1
    • Completed the following:
      • ANH1050 - Introduction to the Veterinary Profession
      • ANH1010 - Small Animal Behaviour and Handling
      • ANH1020 - Small Animal Clinical Foundations
      • ANH1030 - Veterinary Instruments and Equipment
      • ANH1040 - Essential Client Communication and Animal Care
    Term 2
    • Completed the following:
      • ANH1530 - Communication Skills for Client Care
      • ANH1550 - Veterinary Digital Applications
      • ANH1510 - Veterinary Medical Terminology
      • ANH1540 - Large Animal and Exotic Clinical Foundations
    Term 3
    • Completed the following:
      • WIL1600 - Industry Field Placement

    Read more about the above courses here

  • Olds College of Agriculture & Technology 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 practices
    • Animal shelters
    • Animal care facilities

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

    ALIS Occupational Profiles

  • 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 laptop is preferred (Mac or PC)

    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

    The following items are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program:

    • minimum of two sets of scrubs (can be any color or pattern)
    • Indoor shoes to be worn in hospital areas

    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.

    Required Textbooks:

    Other Important Information:

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

Take the Next Step

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Program at a Glance

Length: One Year

Delivery Method: On-Campus

Program Intake: Three intakes per year

Applications Open: Oct. / Feb. / Jun.

Program Status: Open

Calling All Clinics!

Students in our Veterinary Technology Diploma and Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate programs are seeking hosts to complete their industry practicums.

If you're interested in providing this valuable opportunity, please use the form below to confirm your practicum student's name and timeline. Don't miss out on the chance to support and mentor the next generation of animal health professionals!

Host a Student Confirm a Student