
If you're considering a career as a veterinary technician, you might be interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities. These programs allow you to work under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or experienced veterinary technician while earning a salary.
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of settings, including veterinary clinics, hospitals, and research facilities. According to the article, there are over 100 veterinary technician apprenticeship programs available in the United States alone.
Working as a veterinary technician apprentice can be a great way to gain hands-on experience and build your skills in a real-world setting. You'll have the opportunity to assist with medical procedures, take X-rays, and develop your knowledge of animal behavior and nutrition.
Benefits and Opportunities
By earning a wage while working toward their associate degree, apprentices can ease the balance between work and school. This "earn and learn" model is attractive to new parents like Widhalm and Devin Sanders.
Apprentices can gain real-world skills, such as handling animals, drawing blood, and administering vaccines and anesthesia. They'll also have the opportunity to work with amazing professors at Community College of Denver.
With a 100% and 85% pass rate on certification exams, apprentices have excelled in their studies. This is a testament to the hands-on experience and real-world training they receive through the program.
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CCD Earns State Recognition
The CCD veterinary technology apprenticeship program has earned state recognition. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, instructors, and industry partners involved.
The program's unique "earn and learn" model allows students to earn a wage while working toward their associate degree, easing the balance between work and school. This model has proven to be highly effective, with apprentices excelling in their certification exams.
Apprentices have achieved impressive pass rates, with the first two cohorts boasting 100% and 85% pass rates, respectively. These results far exceed the national average of 67%.
CCD leaders hope the program will make a dent in the veterinary care shortage across the state. Positions for veterinarians are expected to grow by almost 75% within the decade, according to the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report.
The apprenticeship program is also "stackable", allowing students to continue their education and eventually earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. One CCD apprentice is already on that path, studying at Colorado State University's esteemed veterinary program.
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Expected Earnings

As an apprentice, you'll have the opportunity to earn competitive wages while gaining real-world experience in a high-demand field. This can give you a significant advantage in the workforce.
The annual median pay for veterinary technologists is $47,322 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Details
The Community College of Denver's (CCD) veterinary technology apprenticeship program launched in August 2020.
Apprentices earn a wage while working toward their associate degree, easing the balance between work and school. This "earn and learn" model is attractive to students like Devin Sanders, who found it unique to get to do and study at the same time.
The program has already trained 12 apprentices at seven clinics, with more industry partnerships in the works.
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Veterinary Technology
The veterinary technology program is a hands-on way to learn the skills you need to succeed in this field. You'll get real-world training and earn a wage while working toward your associate degree.
Community College of Denver's (CCD) veterinary technology apprenticeship program has already trained 12 apprentices at seven clinics. The program was launched in August 2020 and has partnerships with more industry clinics in the works.
Apprentices in the CCD program earn a wage while working toward their associate degree, easing the balance between work and school. This "earn and learn" model allows you to apply what you learn in a real-world setting from day one.
Those skills include handling animals, drawing blood, administering vaccines and anesthesia, and more. You'll get hands-on experience and excel in your certification exams, with pass rates of 100% and 85% for the first two cohorts.
The program is designed to make a dent in the veterinary care shortage across the state, with positions for veterinarians expected to grow by almost 75% within the decade. As a veterinarian's "right hand", technicians can take on more routine work and free up doctors for complex tasks.
You can earn an associate degree and be well-prepared to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) through the Front Range Community College (FRCC) program. Apprentices complete classes in person on campus while working according to the schedule set with the employer.
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Program Standards & Costs
Program standards and costs are essential factors to consider when choosing a program. The standards for each program can vary, but most are set by industry-specific organizations or government agencies.
Dental Assistant programs have specific standards that must be met, and the costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000. ECE Teacher programs also have standards, but the costs can vary depending on the institution and location.
Medical Assistant programs have multiple standards, including Medical Assistant Standards and Podiatric Assistant Standards, and the costs can range from $3,000 to $7,000. Pharmacy Technician programs have standards, and the costs can range from $1,000 to $4,000.
Precision Machining programs have standards, and the costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000. Sterile Processing programs also have standards, and the costs can range from $2,000 to $6,000. Surgical Technologist programs have standards, and the costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000.
HVAC programs have standards, and the costs can range from $2,000 to $8,000. Veterinary Technician programs have standards, and the costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000.
Here's a summary of the programs and their costs:
Career Focus
As a veterinary technician apprentice, you'll be working with animals while earning an associate degree. You'll be hired by one of FRCC's Vet Tech partners and take classes to complete the Veterinary Technician associate degree.
Apprentices complete classes in person on campus, which is a great way to stay motivated and engaged. They work according to the schedule set with the employer, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Through this combination of on-the-job learning and classes at Front Range Community College, apprentices who successfully complete the program earn an associate degree from FRCC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can you become a vet tech?
Becoming a vet tech typically takes 2-4 years to complete, depending on whether you enroll as a full or part-time student. Find the right vet tech program for you and start your journey to a rewarding career.
Who gets paid more, a vet tech or vet assistant?
Vet techs typically earn higher salaries than vet assistants due to their specialized education and more complex duties. This difference in pay reflects their unique qualifications and responsibilities.
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