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Equine Reproduction Technician Certificate

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Length: One Year Delivery: Blended Program Intake: Fall Intake
CIP Code: CIP Code: 01.0999

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.

Overview

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.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate for Equine Reproduction Technician.

Admission Requirements

  • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

AND

  • Completion of the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology Equine Science, Veterinary Technology or Animal Health Technology diploma with a program GPA of 2.0 or higher. An equivalent diploma or degree in equine studies or animal health, or a degree in veterinary medicine, may also be considered.

OR

  • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, and;
  • 50% or better in Biology 30, and;
  • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2, and;
  • 120 Hours of Job Shadowing and/or Employment. Submit a Verification Form to verify the required 120 hours.

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 must complete a minimum of 120 hours of paid and/or volunteer job shadowing and/or employment in an equine-related business (may be completed on or outside of your family-owned business/farm). Hours are to be completed so the applicant can gain an understanding of the equine industry - the equine industry is both rewarding and challenging!
    • The hours may be gained from more than one equine-related business.
    • The job shadowing and/or employment hours are not required to be completed through a school program/class.
    • The job shadowing and/or employment hours must be completed prior to submitting the Verification Form.
    • The Verification Form must include the name & contact information of the supervisor/employer who most closely supervised the applicant in the location where the job shadowing and/or employment hours were gained.
    • The applicant will need to submit one Verification Form for each job shadowing/employment that was used to gain the required hours.
  • 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 has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

Program Details

Tuition, Fees & Affordability

Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
Year 1 $6,200.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $8,200.00
  • 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: Equine Reproduction Technician

Term 1
  • Complete all of the following
    • Online
    • Completed the following:
      • EQN2413 - Reproductive Fundamentals
      • EQN2414 - Maximizing Fertility in the Mare and Stallion
Term 2
  • Complete all of the following
    • Online
    • Completed the following:
Term 3
  • Complete all of the following
    • On Site
    • Completed the following:
      • EQN2411 - Application of Breeding Management Techniques
      • EQN2412 - Applied Techniques for Foaling and Foal Management

Funding & Awards

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.

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.

Career Outcomes

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:

  • Owner/operator of a breeding operation
  • Manager of large breeding operations
  • Working with an equine veterinarian at a breeding farm
  • Offering breeding services at an equine practice

Ready to start your career?

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

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 of Agriculture & Technology 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:

  • Safety approved hockey helmet
  • Composite or steel-toed boots
  • Sturdy snug fitting gloves
  • At least one pair of coveralls (two preferable)
  • Rubber boots

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

  • 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.

Program Highlights

Eline Ferrari

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.

Eline Ferrari Equine Reproduction Technician, 2022

Sydney King

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 Equine Reproduction Technician, 2022

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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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not necessarily. Applicants can meet admission requirements via high‑school grades (English, Biology, Math) and a required 120 hours of job shadowing or employment in an equine‑related business. This gives those without direct breeding experience a pathway into the program.

  • You will learn modern breeding techniques (artificial insemination, semen collection and handling, frozen or cooled semen, and embryo transfer), ultrasound interpretation, and manage breeding season cycles. You will also care for pregnant mares, assist with foaling, and provide neonatal foal care during the breeding and foaling operation at Olds College.

  • Graduates can work as breeding farm operators or managers, equine reproduction technicians, foaling or breeding facility staff, or offer reproductive services for clients in commercial equine breeding operations or veterinary clinics.

  • The program is designed to prepare students to manage or own a breeding operation, but not to undertake specialised veterinary or research activities such as embryo freezing, deep horn insemination, ICSI, GIFT, sex selection, and other sophisticated procedures.
  • Yes. Because breeding, foaling and animal care depend on natural cycles, students should expect participation in evening, weekend or holiday duties during their on‑site training periods.

  • The program runs for one year. It combines online theoretical coursework with on‑site, hands‑on training at Olds College’s breeding and foaling facility.

Apply now for 2026-27!

Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.

Get started — learn how to apply today!

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