I am Kathryn, a student in the online AHT program.
Being a mature student, the decision to return to post secondary studies was a difficult one. Was there a program that would allow me to continue working while pursuing a life long dream of becoming an Animal Health Technologist?
A co worker introduced me to the AHT online program at Olds College and my journey with this program began. It was obvious to me that with my family commitments and financial obligations, I needed a program that would allow me to continue to be employed while completing the required courses. This program’s scheduling seemed to offer me that flexibility.
The course is structured so that the July intake of Online AHT students enters into the program on campus. For the first 6 weeks of the program, we meet fellow students and the instructional staff create the support network that is vital to the success of the students of the program. Once we return to our home towns, we rely on our support network; corresponding through email, eCampus online, and Facebook. We return to the college for ten weeks each spring of the following two years.
While most students think of college life as the massive population of students hustling to and from classes, we have the luxury of having the campus all to ourselves. Our days are full of hands-on practical training and putting into practice all of the theory that we have been studying through eCampus online for the past 8 months.
Self motivation is imperative in order to succeed in this program. For me, I enjoy the balance between my work, family life and on-line studies. The Olds College online AHT program has allowed my dream to become a reality.
Really, when you think about it, where else can you study in your pyjamas in the comfort of your own home.
Online AHT student Kathryn with rescued puppies Winston and Todd
By the way: The pups in the picture were rescued from a trailer fire….I’ve had them since they were 3 weeks old and will be keeping them. Todd is a lab cross and Winston is a Shepherd cross – brothers and the only survivors of the fire. They are now 6 months old and do not fit on my lap together 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
This is inspirational!
A pleasure to meet someone with interests that I have. I am writing in hopes that you would be able to do a small impersonal interview with me about my career choice as a AHT.
I would appreciate the time someone who has chosen the career of Animal Health Technology could take to answer some questions.
My email address is grr8smile@hotmail.com.
Thank you for your time and assistance in this.
Sincerely Mary Ann.
This was great hearing your experience about the program? Where you able to maintain a part time or full time job while doing the online studies?
If you talk to people who have done the online studies before they say it is as much work as being a full time student, so I would not plan on a full time job…I would try out the schooling and attempt a part time job if you think you can do it. Your the judge of what your capable of doing!
Kathryn your story is very inspiring would I be able to ask you some more questions?
Juliet
Hey, You can ask me any questions you would like? I believe she has graduated!!
Were you able to hold a full time job with the online program? And did you have trouble with keeping yourself motivated to study at home?