This four-month program introduces you to the veterinary industry and animal care practices needed for an entry-level position in the animal health field. Working with small animals, you will receive hands-on learning experience with useful principles and procedures of the veterinary industry.
Learning from Registered Veterinary Technologists instructors and veterinary professionals, you will gain skills in patient preparation, animal handling, and veterinary equipment and instrumentation knowledge. You will also learn alongside Veterinary Technology Diploma students and Veterinary Medical Receptionist students in the animal hospital, providing a real industry environment scenario.
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.
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
The Veterinary Technical Assistant (VTA) and Veterinary Medical Receptionist (VMR) programs offer a structured pathway into veterinary healthcare. Students complete a four-month VTA Certificate before transitioning into the VMR Program, joining Term 2 for another four months of coursework. With Fall, Winter, and Spring intakes, this flexible program provides the skills and experience needed for a career in veterinary clinics and hospitals.
| Program | Term | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate | Term 1 | September to December | On Campus (Four Months) |
| Veterinary Medical Receptionist Program | Term 2 | January to April | On Campus (Four Months) |
| Program | Term | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate | Term 1 | January to April | On Campus (Four Months) |
| Veterinary Medical Receptionist Program | Term 2 | May to August | On Campus (Four Months) |
| Program | Term | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate | Term 1 | May to August | On Campus (Four Months) |
| Veterinary Medical Receptionist Program | Term 2 | September to December | On Campus (Four Months) |
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $3,300.00 | $1,000.00 | $700.00 | $5,000.00 |
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.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Veterinary Technical Assistant
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
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 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.
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 Technologist in locations such as:
Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.
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.
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.
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.
It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:
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:
The following items are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program:
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.
This program does not qualify students to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, please refer to the Veterinary Technology Diploma program
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.
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!
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.
Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.
Get started — learn how to apply today!
Our easy online application process guides you through each step, making it simple to apply and get started. Start preparing now, and be ready to apply!
