This one year program — unique in Canada — will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage or operate an equine breeding facility, taught from experienced instructors and Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
Through hands-on instruction, you’ll gain proficiency with common modern reproductive techniques, such as hand breeding, artificial insemination (AI) and transporting cooled semen, as well as, the interpretation of ultrasounds. You will also be exposed to frozen semen and embryo transfer. Over the course of the program, you’ll gain confidence in managing the process of breeding horses from semen collection and insemination, to managing synchronization and fertility issues. You will manage mares in late pregnancy and care for the mare during the foaling process on the commercial breeding/foaling operation at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.
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!
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate for Equine Reproduction Technician.
Our graduates are highly sought after, thanks to our strong industry partnerships and hands-on training. You’ll be well-prepared for a variety of exciting careers in agriculture, including:
Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.
"The Equine Reproduction Technician program is a perfect balance of professional education and high expectations, in an environment that creates many smiles and connections. Designed on the foundation of providing the best possible equine care and management as the number one priority at all times, this certificate will give you the knowledge and experience to pursue the many opportunities that this industry has to offer."
Sydney King, Class of 2022
The Equine Reproduction Technician (ERT) program at Olds College provides students more than just the technique to inseminate mares. The program is designed for students that want to learn everything about the equine reproduction business and how to run it.
It is very hands-on, and by the end of the course, you will be both knowledgeable and competent in equine reproduction procedures and the management of a breeding operation. As a veterinarian, I entered this program to be able to start my own breeding practice. In vet school, I was taught about the anatomy and physiology of the equine reproductive systems, but I did not get prepared for running a breeding operation and everything that comes with it. This course certainly provided me with all the knowledge and practice that I need to feel comfortable in starting a business, and be able to confidently work with clients and their horses.
You get taught about every aspect of the business, from learning how to read an ultrasound to doing artificial insemination and uterine lavages. After the course, you will be able to set up a breeding plan for the mares depending on their teasing results, ultrasounds and vaginal speculum exams — and you will know how to use hormones to optimize conception. You get to handle many stallions, and you will learn how to collect and evaluate semen as well as to prepare it for shipping. You also get to do your own billing and client contacts, which makes the course a very good representation of the real industry. Besides the breeding part of the business, there is also a foaling side of it. You will get to attend and guide many foalings, and do all the care for the foals during their weaning period. You will learn to recognize abnormal foaling and how to handle the situation.
All the aspects of the course together make it a very valuable and unique program. It opened doors for me to grow in the equine business and be a confident and competent equine reproduction technician and veterinarian.
- Eline Ferrari
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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.
Transfer Options: Olds College 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.
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,900.00 | $1,500.00 | $500.00 | $7,900.00 |
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.
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
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
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.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Equine Reproduction Technician
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.
Dress Code: You will be required to be outside during inclement weather and need to be dressed appropriately. We expect all students in the Equine Reproduction Technician program to dress as equine industry professionals during class time.
Time Requirements: As this program involves learning with animals, you will be actively involved with animal care throughout the 15 weeks on campus. This requires you to perform duties in the evenings and on weekends and holidays. You will be involved in the chores and day to day care of the animals that are required for the program. During the 15 weeks on campus, students will be assisting with the foaling and the breeding of client mares which will require weekend attendance and your participation during the Easter break and the May Long Weekend.
Student Clubs: Students are invited to join the Horseman's Club, which organizes social and educational activities centered around the horse for its members. The Rodeo Club and Judging Club are also very active and successful clubs and membership is open to anyone registered as a student at the College and is interested in these activities.
Living on campus at Olds College offers the ultimate convenience, just a five-minute walk from all buildings. Enjoy a vibrant community, academic support, and exciting activities, all within reach. With cost-effective living, including furnished rooms and inclusive utilities, your campus life is hassle-free.
At Olds College, our faculty bring real-world experience and advanced expertise in fields like veterinary sciences, equine reproduction, horticulture, agricultural technology, and more. They’re passionate educators committed to delivering applied, hands-on learning that prepares students for careers in today’s evolving agri-food industry.
From award-winning instructors to recognized leaders in their fields, our faculty are at the heart of what makes an Olds College education exceptional.
Our facilities provide practical options for staying active and healthy, featuring three gymnasiums, a racquetball/squash court, a 200-metre running track, and a range of workout equipment. Engage in intramural leagues or explore outdoor adventures with gear rentals through the Outdoor Centre. Whether you're pursuing athletic training, fitness classes, or competitive play, we have something for everyone. Embrace an active, healthy lifestyle with us at Olds College.
Don’t miss your opportunity to join one of our high-demand programs. With limited seats and first-come, first-served admissions, applying early gives you the best chance to secure your spot.
Domestic applicants pay an application fee of $90. International applicants pay an application fee of $160. Apply now using the online application portal. If you are applying online, this fee must be paid with a credit card.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our Student Success team is ready to help you navigate your academic journey and provide the support you need.
