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%):
- *ANH1050 - Introduction to the Veterinary Profession
- ANH1010 – Small Animal Behaviour and Handling
- ANH1020 – Small Animal Clinical Foundations
- ANH1030 – Veterinary Instruments and Equipment
- ANH1040 – Essential Client Communication and Animal Care
*the AHT1050 course can be taken in first OR second semester, depending on the student’s timetable and workload. Upon offer of admission, students will be asked to work with their Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor to decide when this course best fits in their schedule.
See the program outline and the Olds College Dual Credit Student Tip Sheet for information about being an Olds College student.
Which VTA program is best for me?
In-Person
- Do you learn best in-person, surrounded by your peers?
- Do you prefer to communicate face-to-face?
- Are you able to make the timetable adjustments required at your home high school?
In-person learning is likely the best fit!
OR
Online / Blended Learning
- Do you prefer to learn independently in the evening or on weekends?
- Were you successful in online learning during COVID?
- Do you have a busy school day and can not accommodate the required timetable adjustment?
- Are you excellent at time management and digital communication?
Online/blended learning may be the best fit!
Program Details
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
- Students must be on track to complete the following courses by the end of Grade 12 to attain their Olds College certificate:
- Biology 20, Chemistry 20 or Science 20 and
- English 30 - 1 or 30 – 2 and
- Math 20 - 1 or Math 20- 2 and
- Students are strongly encouraged to complete the following workplace safety course, as they will be working in an industry setting:
- HCS3000 Workplace Safety Systems - This course is available through the home high school Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor.
Location & Delivery
Delivery
This course is offered in a blended/hybrid format with both in-person and online synchronous learning.
- Independent/asynchronous online learning - most theory coursework will be asynchronous; however, there will be some opportunity for synchronous contact with the instructor.
Online asynchronous learning is where course materials are accessed digitally without live, real-time meetings. Students learn independently on their own schedule, using resources such as pre-recorded lectures, readings, and discussion boards to complete assignments by specific deadlines.
- In-person labs – 10 mandatory labs will take place on select Saturdays at Olds College (4500 50 St, Olds, AB T4H 1E5) over the course of the program and will be communicated to students at the start of the program.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Olds College
- Exams may be required to be written in person at school or at a post-secondary location.
Duration & Time
Full-year Program | September to June
Program Times | Online asynchronous with mandatory Saturday labs from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Workload
Students can expect approximately 5-10 hours of independent work per week, depending on work habits and which semester they complete the fifth course, ANH1050. Additional full days will be required on select Saturdays for labs at Olds College.
Timetable Recommendations
Students will be asked to choose which semester they will take the 5th course, ANH1050, according to their course timetable at their home high school.
Assessment
Students will be assessed using quizzes, tests, hands-on labs and activities and exams. A detailed breakdown will be provided to students at the start of the program.
Program Benefits
- Students who successfully complete the VTA Certificate and wish to continue on to the Veterinary Medical Receptionist (VMR) Certificate can apply to Olds as an adult and complete just one additional term to earn a second certificate!
- 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 ongoing 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
Career Map
Considerations
- Online asynchronous courses offer students flexibility to complete their learning and coursework 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 rigour 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 lives 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 coursework.
- 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 regularly with both their CBE supervising teacher and their course instructor.
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 Counsellor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Contact
Unique Pathways Team
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Last modified: 2026-06-30 23:25:51.634225 +0000 UTC