OLDS - Fourteen Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) students are taking courses in the Veterinary Technical Assistant certificate program at Olds College this semester, learning skills that could one day lead to careers as veterinarians.
The students, from nine CESD schools, are taking five courses under the program: introduction to veterinary profession; small animal restraint and handling; principles of veterinary clinical procedures; veterinary equipment instrumentation; and veterinary patient preparation and husbandry.
“I’m loving the VTA program,” Grade 11 Ecole Olds High School student Rilynn Ulry said in a CESD release issued Wednesday. “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.
“It’s so much fun and it’s making me want to have a careers as a vet even more. It makes me more excited for my future in this industry.”
Courses run over two semesters for five weeks each.
Students who complete the program earn up to 25 credits towards their high school diploma, and they also earn a VTA certificate from the college.
The program’s $3,700 cost for each student is being covered by the division, say officials.
The 11,700-student CESD is headquartered in Innisfail and has schools across the region.
