Vet Tech Schools in Denver, CO

About the School

Community College of Denver is a public community college in the Colorado Community College System.

Established in 1967, they offer more than 100 degree and certificate programs.

They have Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of General Studies, and Associate of Arts Degrees in more than 100 areas of study.

Whether for transfer to other state schools, workforce training, or career planning, they strive to deliver an effective, comprehensive, and supportive environment and a one-of-a-kind campus experience for student success.

Their mission statement is “to provide our diverse community an opportunity to gain quality higher education and achieve personal and professional success in a supportive and inclusive environment.

They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technology Program equips students with the knowledge and skills that veterinary technicians need to effectively perform their role in veterinary practices.

It teaches how to do the following:

• Assisting veterinarians in exams, anesthesia, and treatment
• Performing diagnostic lab procedures and imaging
• Patient monitoring
• Client education

It offers two enrollment options, Two-Year Track and Three-Year Track.

Two-Year Track

This program starts in the fall semester and continues for five semesters.

It takes 18 months to complete.

It includes the following prerequisites: General College Biology I with Lab, Math for Clinical Calculations, and English Composition or Technical Writing.

The two-year course map features the following courses:

First Semester

• Veterinary Medical Terminology
• Introduction to Laboratory Procedures
• Humane Treatment and Handling of Animals
• Office Procedures and Relations
• Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

Second Semester

• Exotic Animal Handling
• Surgical Nursing
• First-Year Clinical Rotation
• Internship
• Introduction to Anesthesia
• Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II
• Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

Third Semester

• Public Speaking
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Diagnostic Imaging Internship
• Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology
• General Psychology I or Introduction to Sociology I

Fourth Semester

• Anesthesiology
• Animal Nutrition
• Clinical Laboratory Procedures
• Internship II

Fifth Semester

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Small Animal Nursing
• Large Animal Nursing
• Veterinary Critical Care
• Clinical Competency Evaluation
• Internship III

Three-Year Track

This program features the same courses as the Two-Year Track.

However, it continues for seven semesters:

• First Year – Fall, Spring, and Summer
• Second Year – Fall, Spring, and Summer
• Third Year – Fall

It takes 26 months to complete.

The total credit hours required for either track are 74-75.

The full vet tech program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

About the School

Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology is one of the largest and oldest veterinary technician training programs in the United States.

Located just outside of Denver, CO, they provide hands-on training that prepares students for careers in the veterinary medicine field.

They take pride in their well-equipped classrooms, on-campus surgery and dental facilities, on-site large animal barn and corrals, veterinary library, bookstore, and lounge, which allow them to deliver the highest quality education and training.

Occupying 6.4 acres, their campus also houses more than 15 species of resident animals, such as chickens, birds, horses, cats, and dogs.

They are happy to be of service to those who want to learn and become successful as veterinary technicians.

They are approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and Private Occupational School Board, and accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technician Program is designed to provide the skills and training to become credentialed veterinary technicians.

Courses that provide a solid foundation for upcoming technical coursework and hands-on lab include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Veterinary Medical Math
• Veterinary Medical Chemistry
• Medical Terminology
• Office Management
• Technical Writing

Laboratory-oriented classes include:

• Hematology
• Parasitology
• Microbiology
• Clinical Chemistry

Courses that focus on technical and practical skills include:

• Veterinary Science
• Pharmacology
• Sterile Technique
• Radiology
• Anesthesiology
• Pre-Clinical

Species-specific classes that introduce the different animals that vet techs typically encounter during their career include:

• Large Animal Medicine
• Avian/Exotic Medicine
• Laboratory Animal

The final quarter of the program requires students to complete a Veterinary Technician Student Internship at an approved internship site to train with veterinary professionals in real-life situations.

About the School

Pima Medical Institute is a school that provides in-demand, hands-on education for students seeking careers in the medical, dental, and veterinary fields.

Founded in 1972, they offer a wide range of medical career programs that lead to associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and certificates.

Through the years, they have had 150,000+ graduates who have pursued careers in various fields, including veterinary sciences, medical assisting, nursing, dental hygiene, radiography, physical therapy assistant, respiratory therapy, and occupational therapy assistant.

They are dedicated to helping them become exceptional and highly trained medical professionals.

Across the western United States, they have 17 campuses that offer on-campus, online, and hybrid learning.

They are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program aims to provide the necessary knowledge and training for a career as an entry-level veterinary technician.

Its curriculum teaches the clinical and administrative skills to become proficient in assisting veterinarians in a variety of veterinary medicine environments.

Divided into six parts, the program plan features numerous core courses that cover the typical duties of a vet tech, such as:

• Providing emergency care and first aid to injured animals
• Administering anesthesia
• Monitoring animal responses
• Collecting laboratory samples for testing
• Performing lab tests
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Preparing animals and instruments for surgery
• Administering medications, vaccines, and other treatments
• Collecting and recording patients’ histories

It involves hands-on activities and laboratory sessions that mirror real-world settings.

The program requires 1,775 total hours and the program length is 77 to 86 weeks.

Upon successful completion, graduates may seek employment in animal hospitals, private practices, laboratories, zoos, animal control facilities, humane societies, wildlife facilities, and other professional veterinary environments.