The vision of Medicine Hat College was created in 1964 and the first students (97 full-time and 11 part-time) were accepted in 1965 and housed in temporary quarters provided by Medicine Hat High School. The college moved onto its own campus in 1971 and by 1979, the Brooks Campus was established. In 1983, the Cultural Centre, a partnership venture with the City of Medicine Hat, was opened on the main campus to accommodate the Conservatory of Music and Dance. Substantial growth continued over the years to include an overseas campus in Hebei, China and partnerships with other institutions across the country and around the globe.

1960 Medicine Hat school board suggests establishing a college in the city.

1964 Medicine Hat Junior College established by Order in Council of the Legislature of the Province of Alberta. The Board of Governors conducts first meeting. Dr. Neville Matthews appointed Dean.

1965 Official opening of “Medicine Hat Junior College” with 97 full-time and 11 part-time students. Medicine Hat High School provides space for the college.

1967 City of Medicine Hat grants the college 107 acres of land to establish a campus.

1969 Conservatory of Music and Dance established. "Junior" dropped from the college name.

1971 Official opening of the Medicine Hat campus by the Honourable J.W. Grant MacEwan. Dr. E. Stanley Chace appointed President.

1976 Mr. Robert Edward Sackley appointed President.

1979 Mr. Charles Joseph Meagher appointed President.

1979 Official opening of the Brooks campus, located in an old hospital building, by the Honourable Jim Horsman.

1982 Harry Veiner donates 26 hectares of land east of Brooks to build a permanent campus in Brooks.

1982 Official opening of student residences and trades wing. The Medicine Hat College Foundation incorporated.

1983 Official opening of the Cultural Centre.

1989 First college-wide Convocation ceremony offered.

1990 Dr. Frederick J. Speckeen appointed President.

1990 25th anniversary celebrated.

1991 First international chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa is established.

1991 The Brooks Campus opens.

1995 Dr. Ralph Weeks appointed President.

2001 Official opening of a campus in Hebei, Hunan Province, China

2003 Official opening of B Building and rededication of the Vera Bracken Library

2005 40th anniversary celebrated with first homecoming. Official opening of Centennial Hall. First honorary degree awarded to Terry Brekko.

2006 Honorary degree recipient: Randy Eresman 

2007 Honorary degree recipient: Jim Horsman

2008 Honorary degree recipient: Dr. Ken Sauer

2009 Honorary degree recipient: Dr. John Moldon. Official opening of Encana Power Engineering Technology Centre.
 
2010 Honorary degree recipient: Bob Porter

2011 Official opening of the F-Wing. Honorary degree recipient: Dr. Richard and Deborah Northcott