Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education

​In partnership with Olds College, the Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate (VTA) is a certificated, entry-level program that introduces students to the veterinary industry and animal care. The VTA is a valued member of the veterinary practice and works alongside veterinary professionals, animal health technicians and shelter staff in both large and small animal facilities. Students who complete this program are certificated and fully employable as a Veterinary Technical Assistant. 

See example co​urse outline and the Olds College Dual Credit Student Tip Sheet  for information about being an Olds College student.​

Program​ B​​enefits

• Get a jump start on your post-secondary education while still in high school  
• Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions  
• Learn about on-going opportunities and experience post-secondary learning  
• Taught by experienced instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways 
• Earn high school credits and post-secondary credits

Credits - 25, 30 level CTS
​and an
Olds College Post-Secondary Certificate ​​​

Student Eli​​​​​gibility

Open to CBE high school students who: 

• Are entering grade 11 at the start of the program year, and who will return in Grade 12 as a full-time high school student for the second year 
• Have a strong interest to explore a pathway in animal health and well being 
• Are excited about taking a post-secondary course 
• Students must complete the following as part of Olds College certificate requirements: 
• One of Biology 20, Chemistry 20 or Science 20 in Semester 1 of Grade 11 
• English 30 - 1 or 30 - 2 by the end of Grade 12 
• Math 20 - 1 or Math 20- 2 by the end of Grade 12 

Cons​​iderations

• Students should discuss in depth with their school, their academic timetabling and other interests/commitments, to ensure that they are able to commit to both years of this program.  
• Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the student; therefore, students are encouraged to assess their afternoon timetable carefully for both semesters, in order to be punctual for the duration of the program.  
• Students must submit a Personal Learning Schedule​ (see application checklist for details) to support the minimum of 8-15 hours of course work per week  
• Students will be expected to communicate with both their CBE supervising teacher and Olds instructor on a regular basis  

Program​ Deliv​ery ​​ and Location

This course is in person at two locations:  

• Career and Technology Centre (Lord Shaughnessy Centre) 2336 - 53 Ave SW  
• Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency (CARE) Centre 7140 - 12 St SE 

Progra​​m D​​ates

Program Dates by Semester: 
Semester 1 | September 2023 - December 2023 | 4:00 - 6:30 pm - every Thursday 
Semester 2 | February 2024 - May 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm - every Tuesday and Thursday 
Semester 3 | September 2024 - December 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm - TBD 
Semester 4 | February 2025 - May 2025 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm - TBD ​

Career​ Map

​​​​​​​​​