VTA students, including Rilynn Ulry, second from the right. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

preparing students for careers

Chinook’s Edge students enjoying new veterinary program through Olds College

Nov 18, 2024 | 11:39 AM

Students at Chinook’s Edge (CESD) schools can now take veterinary training which allows them to jump into the industry as soon as they graduate.

There are currently 14 students from nine division schools enrolled in the Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate (VTA) program at Olds College.

One such student is Rilynn Ulry, who is in grade 11 at Olds High School.

“I’m loving the VTA program,” says Ulry. “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career with animals. I was very excited when I found out this program was offered in high school.”

Courses run over two semesters and each for 15 weeks. The online portion of the course is delivered mostly asynchronously, CESD notes.

September 2022 Incident

Sentencing scheduled for man charged in central Alberta murder

4h ago

June 2025 Trial

Jury trial scheduled for Sundre man charged in 1976 homicide

4h ago

July 2024 Incident

Red Deer man sentenced in Cold Lake break and enter

5h ago

Students are required to attend five hours of lab learning at Olds College on Saturdays throughout the year.

Completing the program gets them up to 25 credits towards their diploma, and they can begin work immediately.

(Supplied)

“It’s so much fun and it’s making me want to have a career as a vet even more,” adds Ulry.

“The most eye-opening experience was our dog lab, and practicing all the different techniques for handling. So far I have loved every minute of it and it makes me more excited for my future in this industry.”

In addition, 13 Grade 11 and 12 students from Red Deer Public Schools also took part in the program.

Reflecting on the atmosphere at Olds College, Renee Rudolph, CAREER Engagement Coordinator with Red Deer Public Schools, said students were extremely engaged in their learning.

“It was a positive, collaborative environment where everyone was learning together,” she said. “Students had the chance to experience the Olds College campus, which added to the excitement.”

Rudolph explained that students cannot miss a lab. Each lab is critical, teaching them responsibility and giving them a clear view of college expectations.

Students in the VTA program take five courses including:

● Introduction to the Veterinary Profession
● Small Animal Restraint and Handling
● Principles of Veterinary Clinical Procedures
● Veterinary Equipment and Instrumentation
● Veterinary Patient Preparation and Husbandry

The program costs $3,700 per person when they enrol after high school, but is free for Chinook’s Edge students.

Started over a decade ago for students in Calgary, Olds College began delivering it in 2022-23, which Chinook’s Edge jumped on right away.

There are currently 165 students enrolled across Alberta, including 14 from CESD at Olds College.

In three years of participation, CESD has seen 41 students graduate from the program, with close to 500 completing it at Olds College overall.