Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education
Dual Credit - Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate Program (Blended One Year Program)
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.
The VTA Certificate program includes 5 courses (below), for which students must maintain a minimum GPA average of 2.00 (approximately 62%):
- *AHT1050 - Introduction to the Veterinary Profession
- VTA6010 - Small Animal Restraint and Handling
- VTA6020 - Principles of Veterinary Clinical Procedures
- VTA6030 - Veterinary Equipment and Instrumentation
- VTA6040 - Veterinary Patient Preparation and Husbandry
See the
Olds College program page and
Dual Credit Student Tip Sheet for information about being an Olds College student.
Program Benefits
- 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
(15 Olds Credits)
Student Eligibility
Open to CBE high school students who:
- Are entering grade 11 or 12 at the start of the program year
- Have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in animal health and well-being
- Are excited about taking a post-secondary course
- By the end of Grade 12, are on track to complete the following courses, as part of the Olds College certificate requirements:
- Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Science 30
- English 30 - 1 or 30 - 2
- Math 20 - 1 or Math 20- 2
- HCS3000 Workplace Safety Systems
Program Delivery and Location
This program delivery follows a blended model including online learning and in-person labs.
- Online – most theory coursework will be asynchronous, however, there will be some opportunity for synchronous contact with the instructor
- Labs – labs will take place on select Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM during the school year:
- Semester 1 – 6 Saturday labs at Olds College (Olds, AB)
- Semester 2 – 4 Saturday labs at Mollie’s Market (11162 11th St NE, Calgary)
Program Dates
- Semester 1 (Fall) – September - December
- Semester 2 (Winter) – February - May
- AHT 1050 course is fully asynchronous, and needs to be scheduled in addition to the outlined courses above. Students can access this course in one of these online offerings:
Semester 1 - Fall (same time as VTA6020 and 6030), OR
Semester 2 - Winter (same time as VTA 6040 and 6010)
- Note: Students should discuss their timetable with their Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor in order to decide which semester would support the additional course work.
Considerations
- Online asynchronous courses offer students flexibility to complete their learning and course work at times that work for them. However, there are set deadlines and times for quizzes and tests that must be met.
- Students may need adjustments in their school timetable, depending on the rigor of their online course and the other courses they are taking at their home high school at the same time. Talk to your Off-campus Coordinator about options that may work for you.
- Students must have space in their life outside of school to complete work for their Dual Credit program in addition to their regular school assignments.
- Students must submit a personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit course work.
- Students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate with both their CBE supervising teacher and course instructor regularly.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the
Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counselor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Career Map
Program Partner
Application Deadline
Applications for Summer and Fall 2025 are not yet available. Please check back in March 2025!
