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Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate

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Length: One Year Delivery: On-Campus Program Intake: Fall Intake, Winter Intake, Spring Intake
CIP Code: CIP Code: 01.8203

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.

Overview

As part of the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program, you will work alongside Veterinary Technology Diploma students to support AHEC hospital operations and animal care needs.

Program Outcomes

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

Work-Integrated Learning

As part of the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program, you will work alongside Veterinary Technology Diploma students to support AHEC hospital operations and animal care needs.

Note: Veterinary Medical Receptionists should be aware that if they intend to enter Veterinary Technology, they would have to take a semester off between Veterinary Medical Receptionist and Veterinary Technology as by the time final grades in Veterinary Medical Receptionist are processed, they would not get entry to Veterinary Technology for the following term.

Admission Requirements

  • 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 

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.

  • 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 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*

  • 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

    • Students with a VTA certificate can enter into Term 2 of the VMR program.

    VTA/VMR - Fall Intake

    Program Term Duration Type
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 1 September to December On Campus
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 2 January to April On Campus
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 3 May-June Off-Campus

    VTA/VMR - Winter Intake

    Program Term Duration Type
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 1 January to April On Campus
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 2 May to August On Campus
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 3 September-October Off-Campus

    VTA/VMR - Spring Intake

    Program Term Duration Type
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 1 May to August On Campus
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 2 September to December On Campus
    Veterinary Medical Receptionist Term 3 January-February Off-Campus

Program Details

Tuition, Fees & Affordability

Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
Year 1 $6,500.00 $1,600.00 $1,300.00 $9,400.00
  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

Tuition, Fees & Payments

Housing & Meal Plans

Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

 

 

Course Details

For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

Academic Calendar:Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate

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
    • VMR2950 - Industry Practicum
Term 3
  • Completed the following:

Career Outcomes

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 assisting a Registered Veterinary Technician in locations such as:

  • Veterinary practices
  • Animal shelters
  • Animal care facilities

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

Funding & Awards

Student Funding

There are many options to help you fund your education. Our Financial Aid Officer on campus will be available to assist you prepare student loan documentation, provide confirmation of enrolment to release RESP's or obtain private loans, and help you find funding.

Student Funding

Scholarships & Student Awards

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 475 awards, valued at $1.5million 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.

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.

Admitted Students

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 required that you come to Olds College with the following technology:

  • A laptop (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:

  • Coveralls recommended (short or long sleeve/washable/no bib brands)
  • Minimum of two sets of scrubs (can be any colour or pattern)
  • Rubber boots recommended
  • Solid, indoor, closed-toe, footwear to be worn in hospital areas
  • Soft leather gloves to be worn during large animal labs (optional)

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.

Other Important Information:

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

  • 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 months. As this program involves learning with animals, you will be actively involved in animal care throughout the program, which may take place outside of regular class hours.
  • Physical Program Requirements: The VMR program is physically demanding and students must be in good health and be physically capable of performing the program requirements.
  • Immunization Requirements: This program recommends specific immunizations. Learn More.

Program Highlights

Earn Two Credentials in One Year: VTA to VMR Pathway

Starting in September 2025, students who successfully complete the Veterinary Technical Assistant (VTA) program can enter into the second term of the Veterinary Medical Receptionist (VMR) program — earning two credentials within one year.

Former graduates from our VTA program may also be eligible, please contact our Admissions Team for more information: admissions@oldscollege.ca or 403.556.8281.

Calling All Veterinary Clinics! Host a Student for Practicum Experience

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

If your clinic is interested in supporting hands-on learning and mentoring future veterinary professionals, please use the form below to confirm your practicum student’s name and timeline. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the next generation of animal health care providers!

Host a Student Confirm a Student

Megan Fleming

I found that the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program offers a great opportunity to gain exposure in the veterinary field. The program was also very beneficial in strengthening my skills and knowledge of computers. Overall, I feel that the program definitely prepares you to be successful in a clinic environment.

Megan Fleming Veterinary Medical Receptionist, 2016

Megan Miller

Olds College provided me with the skill sets needed to find a job in the industry I wanted. Through the small class sizes and hands-on learning, I gained skill sets relevant to getting a career in the environmental field today. I made some of the most meaningful friendships with people who are as passionate about this industry as I am.

Megan Miller 2018 Graduate

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Olds College Recruiter with prospective students

Talk to Recruitment!

Connect directly with the recruitment team at Olds College to get personalized support as you explore your pathway to post-secondary study. Whether you have questions about programs, admission requirements, campus life or next steps in your application journey, our recruitment specialists are here to help you make informed decisions and plan with confidence.

Talk to Recruitment

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