Fusion Collegiate and Olds College Announce the Opening of Alberta’s First Collegiate-Level Animal Health Lab
Calgary, Alberta – November 18, 2025
Fusion Collegiate, in partnership with Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, is pleased to announce the official opening of its state-of-the-art Animal Health Lab, one of the first high-school–based facility in Alberta designed to college-level veterinary standards.
This groundbreaking lab enables high school students to complete dual-credit Animal Health courses or earn the full Veterinary Technical Assistant (VTA) certificate—graduating from both Fusion Collegiate and Olds College at the same time. The program accelerates pathways into veterinary medicine, animal health, agriculture, and related industries experiencing significant workforce demand.
“Veterinary technical assistants are in high demand across Alberta, and this partnership gives students a powerful head start,” said Lisa Betterton, Co-Founder, Fusion Collegiate. “Students can complete high school while earning a recognized college credential—launching them directly into further learning in animal health sciences or into meaningful work as certified VTAs.”
“Dual-credit programs remain a vital pathway, helping Alberta youth gain confidence, employable skills, and a clear direction toward graduation. To date, Olds College has welcomed over 8,000 dual-credit students across the province, and our partnership with Fusion Collegiate will continue to expand these opportunities. Together, we’ve created modern, purpose-built learning spaces that bring industry-aligned agricultural education directly to urban learners. By aligning education with industry needs, partnerships like this bridge the gap and make students’ post-secondary dreams a reality,” states Dailin Bullock, Vice President, Academics, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.
Fusion Collegiate is among the first public charter collegiate high schools, offering specialized, career-aligned pathways and immersive real-world learning. The new lab, developed in collaboration with Olds College, ensures students train in a professional environment aligned with industry expectations and post-secondary standards.
Keszia Lyseng, a student stated “the hands-on labs and real-world activities in the VTA program make learning exciting and practical. Training in Fusion Collegiate’s new Animal Health Lab gives me the skills and confidence to understand what a career in veterinary care truly involves. I’m grateful for the opportunity to study in a professional, fully equipped facility close to home while earning a credential that will shape my future.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to workforce development, innovation in secondary education, and growing Alberta’s talent pipeline in agriculture and animal health.
“We know students thrive when they learn in an area of genuine passion,” Betterton added. “Our first cohort is already working hands-on in the new lab, and we’re seeing engagement, confidence, and academic performance soar.”
ABOUT FUSION COLLEGIATE
Fusion Collegiate is Alberta’s first public charter collegiate high school, located in Calgary and designed to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary education. Through specialized pathways, dual-credit programming, and real-world labs built to industry specifications, Fusion Collegiate empowers students to pursue career-aligned education while completing their high school diploma.
ABOUT OLDS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & TECHNOLOGY
Olds College is one of Canada’s premier institutions for agriculture, ag-tech, and applied research. With over a century of leadership in hands-on learning, Olds College delivers industry-driven programs in animal health, agriculture, environmental stewardship, and emerging technologies.
MEDIA CONTACT
Matt Keay
403-689-8485
