Horticulture Technologist Diploma at Olds College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

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Program overview

The Horticulture Technologist Diploma at Olds College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of horticulture. This program focuses on the production and management of plants, pest control, landscape design, soil management, and water systems. The goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to create productive and sustainable horticultural systems. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students will learn to navigate the complexities of horticulture, preparing them for a successful career in this dynamic field.

Program structure

The Horticulture Technologist Diploma is a two-year program that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience. The program structure includes:

Immersive learning experiences in a living lab environment, featuring a 15-acre constructed wetland, botanic gardens, and greenhouses.
Participation in a Field School, where students work with industry partners, earning a wage while applying their studies in real-world settings.
Opportunities to develop skills in landscape design, horticulture business management, and ecological decision-making.

This program is designed to adapt to market demands and includes various learning methods to ensure students gain a well-rounded education in horticulture.

Featured Experiences

The Horticulture Technologist Diploma offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Field School: Students gain practical experience by working with companies in the industry, applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Living Lab: The campus serves as a living lab, providing access to diverse horticultural environments, including greenhouses and botanic gardens.
Hands-on Learning: Students engage in immersive, hands-on activities that prepare them for various horticultural challenges.
Entrepreneurial Focus: The program encourages students to develop their own horticulture business ideas and understand market dynamics.

Career Options

Graduates of the Horticulture Technologist Diploma can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Landscape Designer: Create and implement landscape designs for residential and commercial properties, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.
Greenhouse Manager: Oversee operations in greenhouse settings, managing plant production and ensuring optimal growing conditions.
Horticulture Therapist: Use horticultural activities to promote physical and mental well-being in therapeutic settings.
Urban Agriculture Specialist: Develop and manage urban farming initiatives, promoting sustainable food production in city environments.
Crop Production Manager: Manage the production of various horticultural crops, ensuring quality and sustainability in agricultural practices.

These roles reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to the horticulture industry.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Olds College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Horticulture Technologist Diploma program has specific Academic Requirements that prospective students must meet to be considered for enrollment. Below are the key requirements:

Minimum of 50% or better in the following courses:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
- Math 20-1 or 20-2
- Two of the following: Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Science 20, OR one of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
For Alternate Admission Option, applicants who have not completed one of the academic Academic Requirements may provide:
- Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
- A Letter of Introduction and Intent detailing personal introduction, reasons for enrollment, career goals, and relevant experience
- A resume of work history, extracurricular activities, and volunteer service for the last 5 years
- Optional: Copies of any tickets and/or certificates (e.g., first aid, safety tickets)
- Optional: Up to two letters of reference from current or past employers/coaches
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For International Applicants, Olds College welcomes applications from those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. It is essential to meet all noted Academic Requirements.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Olds College is English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that they have completed at least three years of academic study conducted entirely in English.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement must demonstrate language proficiency through successful completion of an accepted English Language proficiency assessment dated within two years of application submission. All English Language Proficiency Assessments will be verified online by an Admission Officer.

Accepted English Language Proficiency Assessments include:

Duolingo English Test - score of at least 110
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT - overall score of no less than 80 with no academic section below 18
International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic Stream) - a score of 6.0 or higher in each band
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Online - overall score of no less than 60, with no band below 50
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - score of at least 55 with no skill profile below 55
Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) - no band below 5, with an overall score of no less than 6

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!