Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate at Olds College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

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Program Overview

In the Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate program, students will learn to provide exceptional client care as the “face of the practice.” This program offers a comprehensive education in office administration, customer service, and veterinary medicine skills, all taught by experienced Registered Veterinary Technologist instructors. Students will also have the opportunity to work alongside Veterinary Technology Diploma students, gaining practical experience that supports both AHEC hospital operations and animal care needs. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive a certificate in Veterinary Medical Receptionist, equipping them with the essential skills to be a valuable asset to any veterinary team.

Program Structure

The Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate program is designed to be completed in a structured format, allowing students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in veterinary healthcare. The program has a length of one year, divided into two main terms:

Term 1: Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate (4 months)
Term 2: Veterinary Medical Receptionist Program (4 months)

Students can choose from three intakes each year:

Fall (September)
Winter (January)
Spring (May)

Additionally, there is an option to earn two credentials in one year through the VTA to VMR pathway, starting in September 2025. This pathway allows students who complete the Veterinary Technical Assistant program to transition into the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program seamlessly. The program is delivered on-campus, providing hands-on learning experiences.

Featured Experiences

The Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Hands-on experience working alongside Veterinary Technology Diploma students.
Opportunities to support AHEC hospital operations and animal care needs.
Structured pathway from the Veterinary Technical Assistant program to the Veterinary Medical Receptionist program.
Flexible intake schedule with three options each year.
Practicum opportunities in veterinary clinics and animal care facilities.

Career Options

Graduates of the Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Veterinary Receptionist: Manage client interactions, schedule appointments, and handle administrative tasks in veterinary clinics.
Animal Care Coordinator: Oversee the care and well-being of animals in shelters or care facilities.
Client Service Representative: Provide customer service and support in veterinary practices, ensuring a positive experience for pet owners.
Veterinary Office Manager: Manage the daily operations of a veterinary clinic, including staff supervision and financial management.
Animal Health Technician: Assist veterinarians in providing medical care and support for animals in various settings.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a meaningful impact in the field of veterinary medicine.

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

To apply for the Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate program, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Achieve a minimum of 50% or better in the following courses:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
- Math 20-1 or 20-2
- One of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Science 20
For Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants:
- 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.
Alternate Admission may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic Academic Requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants must provide:
- Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses.
- A Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining:
  - Introduction of yourself
  - Reasons for enrolling in the program
  - Career goals
  - 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: Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches (maximum of two letters).
For International Applicants:
- Olds College welcomes applications from international students and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada.
- It is necessary to meet all noted Academic Requirements.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

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!

Last updated on 2025-07-16

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Waitlisted	2025-02-01	Not Available	Not Available
May 2026	Waitlisted	2025-06-01	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Waitlisted	2025-10-01	Not Available	Not Available