Veterinary Technician Programs in Colorado: Accredited and Affordable Options

If you're interested in becoming a veterinary technician in Colorado, there are several accredited programs to choose from. The Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.

The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and is designed to prepare students for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Students can expect to complete the program in two years.

The program includes classroom and clinical instruction in subjects such as veterinary anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practices. Graduates will be qualified to work in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and research facilities.

Colorado offers a variety of veterinary technician programs, catering to different needs and interests.

You can find accredited programs in various locations across the state, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Fort Collins, Aurora, and more.

Some of these programs are already fully accredited, while others are still in the initial accreditation phase or on probationary accreditation.

Colorado Veterinary Health Care Resources, Colorado Vet Tech, and Colorado Pet Groomer are just a few examples of the types of programs available.

Here are some examples of accredited programs in Colorado:

The two-year track is a great option for those who want to complete their program in a shorter amount of time. This program begins in the fall semester and continues for five semesters, including summer.

You'll need to commit to at least 3 days per week of on-campus time, which is a significant investment of time and energy. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or above before graduation, so be prepared to put in the work.

The two-year track curriculum is designed to help you learn about the courses being offered, so be sure to take a close look at the details. This program is eligible for federal financial aid, which can help make your education more affordable.

Colorado has a good number of accredited programs for veterinary professionals.

You can find accredited programs in various locations throughout the state. Denver has two programs with full accreditation, while Colorado Springs has one program with initial accreditation and one with full accreditation. Glenwood Springs has a program with full accreditation, but Fort Collins is on probationary accreditation. Aurora has an initial accreditation program.

If you're looking for a program in a specific location, here are some accredited options:

Front Range Community College in Larimer County offers an accredited Veterinary Technology Program. This program is designed to prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician through a combination of theoretical and practical training.

You can explore various veterinary technician programs in Colorado, each with its unique features. The Colorado Mountain College program has been fully accredited for over 40 years and received an Award for Excellence from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Some programs offer small class sizes, such as the Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology, which also has a fully accredited eight quarter program that culminates in an internship. The Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver has a large campus with corrals, barns, and over 80 animal residents.

If you're interested in a full-time program, FRCC's AAS in Veterinary Technology is a great option, which trains you in veterinary health and handling of various animals and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities.

Explore further: Exotic Animal Veterinarian Colleges

To get started with vet tech education, you'll need to meet some basic prerequisites. You'll need to have completed BIO 1111, which is equivalent to General College Biology or a similar course that's no more than seven years old.

English 1021, or English Composition, is also a requirement. You'll need to have completed this course or its equivalent. MAT 1120, or Math for Clinical Calculations, is another necessary course that you'll need to have completed or be in the process of completing.

You can see the specific prerequisites outlined in the table below:

Having these prerequisites completed will help you prepare for the next steps in the application process.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology is a fantastic way to get started in this rewarding field. This degree program is designed to provide hands-on training in veterinary health and animal handling.

You'll have the opportunity to study a variety of topics, including anatomy and physiology, radiology, parasitology, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesia, and pharmacology.

Our vet tech training program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities. This means you can trust that you're receiving a high-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career.

After completing the program, you can take the national exam to become a credentialed veterinary technician.

Related reading: Pima Medical Institute Veterinary Technician

You can expect excellent job opportunities as a veterinary technician in Colorado, with job availability exceeding the number of graduates.

The state requires certification through a third-party organization, making the Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential voluntary.

Colorado has seven fully accredited programs, with two branches of the same organization, and the state certifying body is the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians.

To become certified, you'll need to complete an accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which has a national average pass rate of 64% for first-time candidates.

In Colorado, the AVMA boasts a 67% pass rate for first-time candidates, reflecting the quality of the program.

The CCD's Veterinary Technology Program requires students to receive rabies pre-exposure immunizations prior to live animal handling, with a robust rabies mitigation plan in place.

Program Requirements

Note: The rabies pre-exposure series and serologic testing every two years are recommended for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other staff members to ensure antibody titers are maintained.

If you're interested in veterinary technician programs in Colorado, you'll find several options to choose from. Some programs are offered remotely, such as the Vet Tech and Vet Assistant programs at CCD, which can be a great option if you prefer online learning.

You can attend an information session to learn more about these programs and the application process. The next session's details can be found at the bottom of the CCD page.

There are several locations in Colorado where you can pursue a veterinary technology program. In Denver, you'll find two programs with full accreditation, while in Colorado Springs, you'll find a mix of initial and full accreditation. Fort Collins has a program on probationary accreditation, and Aurora has an initial accreditation program.

Here's a list of accredited programs in Colorado:

The 3-year track of the Veterinary Technology program is a great option for those who want to complete their studies in a shorter amount of time.

This program begins in the spring semester and continues for nine semesters, including two summer semesters, with at least 2 days per week of on-campus time.

You'll need to complete all courses with a grade of "C" or above before graduation, so be sure to stay on top of your studies.

The application process for this program is straightforward, and you can learn more about it by visiting the Three-year track curriculum information.

Don't forget to apply one semester before enrollment to secure your spot in the program.

If you're interested in exploring financial aid options, you can contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships office at 303.556.2420 for more information.

Front Range Community College offers an accredited Veterinary Technology Program in Larimer County, Colorado.

This program is designed to prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician through a combination of theoretical and practical training.

The program is a two-year track that begins in the fall semester and continues for five semesters, including summer, with at least 3 days per week of on-campus time.

All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or above before graduation.

The program is eligible for federal financial aid.

Online and hybrid learning environments offer flexibility, but require more self-direction and self-discipline, so it's essential to assess whether online learning is right for you.

For another approach, see: Veterinary Assistant Online Classes

The Larimer program is a great option for those looking to become a veterinary assistant. It's a 2-semester program that totals 16.25 credits.

You'll gain education in veterinary health and handling of various animal species, from domestic to exotic and large animals. This program is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Colorado is home to a number of accredited veterinary programs, with several locations throughout the state offering high-quality education.

You can find accredited programs in major cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, as well as in smaller towns like Glenwood Springs.

The Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins is one of the programs with probationary accreditation, which means it's working towards full accreditation.

On the other hand, some programs like the Dumb Friends League in Denver and the Animal Eye Center in Loveland have already achieved full accreditation.

Here are some of the accredited programs in Colorado, categorized by location:

These programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities, ensuring high educational standards.

FRCC offers both classroom and hybrid learning options, providing flexibility to suit your schedule.

Hands-On Training is a crucial aspect of any veterinary technician program, and Colorado has plenty to offer. FRCC's program stands out with its collaboration with 85 veterinary hospitals and facilities, providing students with rich hands-on training and internship opportunities.

Expand your knowledge: Veterinary Technician Training Program

This collaboration allows students to gain practical experience in a real-world setting, which is invaluable for their future careers. You'll get to work with live animals in real medical situations, developing your skills and confidence.

FRCC's partnerships offer a wide range of settings to train in, from small animal hospitals to zoos and laboratory animal/research facilities. You'll get to experience different environments and learn from experienced professionals.

Here are some of the types of internships available in Colorado:

These internships will give you a taste of what it's like to work in a real-world veterinary setting, and will help you decide which type of work you enjoy most.

Intriguing read: Veterinary Technician Relief Work

The average cost of a veterinary technician program in Colorado can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year.

Many programs are offered at public colleges and universities, making them more affordable options for students.

The cost of tuition and fees may also vary depending on whether you're a resident of Colorado or not.

Graduates of veterinary technician programs in Colorado can expect to earn a median salary of around $40,000 per year.

With experience, veterinary technicians can move into leadership roles or start their own clinics, significantly increasing their earning potential.

If you're looking for resources to support your veterinary technician education and career, there are several options available. The Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians is a great place to start, offering general information and credentialing resources.

You can find jobs in veterinary technology by education level, including diplomas, certificates, and degrees at various levels. For example, you can search for jobs that require an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.

The Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians also provides a "Find Your Path" section, which lists various careers in the veterinary field, including veterinary technician.

Here's a list of some of the careers listed under "Find Your Path":

The Colorado Mountain College program has been fully accredited for more than 40 years and received an Award for Excellence from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

The Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology offers an eight quarter program that culminates in internship.

Students at the Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology take general coursework like biochemistry and medical mathematics in the early stages of their program.

The Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver has a more than 40-year history and features a large campus with corrals, barns, and over 80 animal residents.

The Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology has a number of off-site clinical partnerships.