Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education
Dual Credit - Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate Program (Two 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.
See example course outline and the Olds College 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 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
Program Delivery 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
Program Dates
Program Dates by Semester:
Year One
Semester 1 | September – December, Thursdays, 4:00-6:30 PM
Semester 2 | February – May, Tuesdays AND Thursdays, 4:00-6:30 PM
Year Two
Semester 3 | September – December, Mondays AND Wednesdays, 4:00-6:30 PM
Semester 4 | February – May, Mondays AND Wednesdays, 4:00-6:30 PM
Considerations
- Students must have space in their full year timetable to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates indicated below.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-campus Coordinator or guidance counsellor or email uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Students must meet all course assignment, quiz and test deadlines.
- Students must submit a personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit course work outside of class time.
- 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!
