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Animal Health Technology

TWO-YEAR DIPLOMA

Accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association
Inspected by Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
Inspected by the Canadian Council on Animal Care


ON-CAMPUS DELIVERY - FALL ENTRY ONLY

First-Year – Two Semesters: September – April
Second-Year – Three Semesters: September – June

ON-LINE DELIVERY OPTION - SUMMER ENTRY ONLY

First-Year – Four Semesters: July – June
Second-Year – Four Semesters: September – August

The information that you are receiving is current but please be advised that all programs are subject to revision.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

If you have a genuine interest in veterinary medicine and enjoy working with animals and people, this program may be for you.  You will receive education and hands-on training  in a wide variety of veterinary procedures such as anesthesia induction and monitoring, surgical assistance, laboratory diagnostics, radiography, dentistry, animal nursing, emergency care and veterinary office procedures.

Upon graduating you will be qualified to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in your choice of a wide number of animal related fields. This two-year program offers learning experiences at Olds College and through a six-week work experience period.  Students may elect to enter the on-campus delivery option or the on-line delivery option.

On-Campus Delivery Option

The first-year of this option runs from September through April and is taught at Olds College.  During this time, students will be trained in veterinary laboratory techniques including parasitology, hematology, diagnostic imaging, other clinical diagnostic procedures and will be introduced to the basics of animal care. 

From September through April of the second year students return to Olds College.   The training during this time concentrates heavily on hands-on experience in the techniques involved in the animal health field. These techniques include obtaining and testing laboratory specimens, caring for and handling animals, assisting with surgery and anesthesia, and performing veterinary office procedures.  Access to the Olds College farm provides students with opportunities to receive training involving cattle, sheep and horses.  Students also play an active role in running the program’s small animal facilities and adoption program.

The final component of this option is a six-week, industry practicum component.  This on-the-job training can take place in veterinary practices, zoos, wildlife centers and diagnostic or research laboratories located locally, nationally or internationally.

On-line Delivery Option

The On-line delivery option features on-line delivery of the theory components during the regular academic year.  Students then attend the Olds College campus for intense hands-on training during the summer months. This delivery option is completed over 25 months with a two-month break over summer before the beginning of the second-year.  It allows the learner to complete the majority of the program at home, yet delivers the same amount of hands-on training as the on-campus delivery option.  This option also has a six week industry practicum component.

The first year begins with six-weeks on campus in July and August.  Students then go on-line from September to mid April.  The first year finishes with ten-weeks on-campus from the end of April to the end of June.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As a competent professional you will become a valuable member of an animal health care team.  You will be qualified to work with veterinarians in companion animal, large animal, mixed, specialty and equine practices.  Other career opportunities include zoos, diagnostic/research laboratories, livestock operations, industry/sales, wildlife rehabilitation centres and educational programs.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have:

a) High school diploma or its equivalent with:
b) 60% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
c) 60% or better in Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30
d) 60% or better in Biology 30 and Chemistry 30
e) Completed 80 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience
f)  Submit a Work Experience Verification Form

Applicants will be accepted into the program on a first qualified, first accepted basis.

Eighty-hours (80) of Volunteer and/or Paid Work Experience

Eighty-hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience in a single Canadian veterinary clinic (not an SPCA or animal shelter) must be completed within two-years prior to the program start date (i.e. September 1, 2007 to September 1, 2009 for the September 2009 on-campus delivery option and July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2009 for the July 2009 on-line delivery option).

These work experience hours do not have to be completed through a school program/class.  The volunteer and/or paid work experience hours must be completed prior to the supervisor/employer signing the Work Experience Verification form.  All documentation (Transcripts and Work Experience Verification form) must be submitted to Olds College as soon as possible as selections are based on a first qualified, first accepted basis.

ALTERNATE ADMISSION STATUS

Alternate admission status will apply for those students that have not achieved the high school diploma admission requirement. The applicant must meet all academic course requirements and complete all volunteer and/or paid work experience hours.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Applicants applying for the on-campus delivery option must submit all marks to Olds College on or before August 1.

Applicants applying for the on-line delivery option must submit all marks to Olds College on or before June 1.

NOTE:

Class size is limited to 30 students in each delivery option.

Past experience indicates a strong demand for this program, therefore, prospective students should pay close attention to the application requirements and timelines.

TUITION DEPOSIT

$500.00 deposit within 45 days of admission 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Students in the AHT program are expected to follow a dress code as written in the AHT Policy Handbook.

2. Students are actively involved in animal care throughout the program. 
    This will include several, week long rotations involving evenings, weekends and holidays. 
    Students are on these rotations from September to April of each year and for online students when they are on-campus.

3. Students are strongly recommended to obtain student membership in the AAAHT. Cost is approximately $42 per year. 
    AHT staff will make arrangements for membership application during their first  month at Olds College.

4. All second year students are required to attend the annual AAAHT conference in September. 
    The registration fee is approximately $125.00 (accommodations will be extra)

5. Students are required to purchase a stethoscope, thermometer, penlight and laboratory coat. 
    These are available at Olds College and costs are approximately $300.00. 

    Students are also required to supply their own scrubs (minimum 2 sets) coveralls (recommend 2 sets)
    and rubber boots (recommend purchasing an insulated pair and non-insulated pair).

6. Second year students will be required to pay a refundable $100 deposit for the use of a
    required thermoluminescent dosimeter. 
    The deposit will be refunded at the end of the program, upon the  timely return of the undamaged dosimeter.

7. Students are responsible for arranging their own housing while at Olds College, and during their six week industry practicum.

8. Applicants are advised that the Animal Health Technology program is physically demanding. 
    Students should be in good health and be physically capable of performing the program requirements.

9. All students enrolled in the Animal Health Technology program are required to be immunized against Rabies.
    The Rabies vaccine will be provided at Olds College during the first few weeks of the academic year.
    Students who have received the rabies vaccination previously will be required to provide verification upon request.

10. Applicants are advised that a basic level of computer skills is essential for success in the program.  

COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR ON-LINE DELIVERY OPTION

Minimum Requirements for PC Users:
 
(NOTE: Your course may require software and/or hardware beyond what is listed below.  Please consult with your instructor.)

Recommended Hardware

• Operating System:  Windows 98, Me, XP
• RAM:                       128 MB (256 MB recommended)
• Free disk space:     50 MB (100 MB recommended)
• CPU:                         Pentium III or equivalent recommended
• Clock speed:           500 megahertz (1 gigahertz recommended)

You may also require a sound card and speakers depending on the course in which you are enrolled

Recommended Software

Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader and a media player such as Flash Player, QuickTime or Windows Media Player.

Please note that virus protection software, and spyware/adware detection is highly recommended.

Web Browser

• Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0
• Netscape version 6.2, 7.0 and 7.1
• Mozilla 1.5 and 1.6

Internet Connection

DSL or cable modem is highly recommended. A dial-up connection may work but will likely cause you some frustration.

Minimum Requirements for Macintosh Users:

(NOTE: Your course may require software and/or hardware beyond what is listed below. Please consult with your instructor.)

Recommended Hardware

• Operating System:            Mac OS 10.5
• RAM:                                 2GB DDR3 at 1066 Mhz
• Free disk space:               50 MB (100 MB recommended)
• CPU:                                  Power Macintosh or higher

You may also require a sound card and speakers depending on the course in which you are enrolled

Recommended Software

Apple Macbook Pro and a media player such as Apple QuickTime Player

Please note that virus protection software, and spyware/adware detection software is highly recommended.

Web Browser

• Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.1 and 5.2
• Netscape version 6.2, 7.0 and 7.1
• Mozilla 1.5 and 1.6
• Safari 1.2I

Internet Connection

DSL or cable modem is highly recommended. A dial-up connection may work but will likely cause you some frustration.

FURTHER OLDS COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates who have achieved a GPA of 2.50 are eligible to apply for the Olds College Bachelor of Applied Science degree program.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Most provincial/territorial associations require certification for eligibility to work as an Animal Health Technologist.

In Alberta membership in the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists (AAAHT) is compulsory for an AHT employed in veterinary medicine.

Successful completion of the Veterinary Technologist National Examination (VTNE) is required for AAAHT membership.

An opportunity to write this exam normally occurs in June after completion of all program components.

Fees for this exam are approximately $150.00

Please contact the Animal Health Technology Association in the province where you plan to work for their specific requirements for certification.  

On-Campus

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

First Year
Fall Semester: September – December

Winter Semester: January – April

Total First Year Credits:         30

SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester: September – December

Winter Semester: January – April

 Total Second Year Credits: 30

 Off-Campus Semester: May - June

Total First Year Credits:                        30
Total Second Year Credits:                   30
Total Required Credits:                          60 

On-line

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

First Year: 2009-2010
Summer Semester: July – August (On-Campus)
Block 1 - 6 weeks 

Fall Semester: September – December (On-Line)
Block 2 - 15 weeks

Winter Semester: January – April (On-Line)
Block 3 - 15 weeks

Spring Semester: May – June (On-Campus)
Block 4 - 10 weeks

Total First Year Credits:         36

Summer Break - July - August

SECOND YEAR: 2010-2011
Fall Semester: September – December (On-line)
Block 5 - 15 weeks

Winter Semester: January – April (On-line)
Block 6 - 15 weeks

Spring Semester: May – June (On-Campus)
Block 7 - 10 weeks

Summer Semester: July – August (On-Campus)
Block 8 - 6 weeks

Total Second Year Credits:    24

Total First Year Credits:                         36
Total Second Year Credits:                    24
Total Required Credits:                           60

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To obtain a diploma a student must achieve:

1. Completion of all required courses – 60 credits  – as listed in the program requirements
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.00
3. Satisfactory completion of practical experience and/or assignments as may be required.
4. Fulfillment of the Graduation Policy – Residency Requirement
5. Successfull completion of the Olds College Writing Proficiency Exam