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Want to become a veterinary expert but don’t know where to start?
This article highlights the top vet schools in Aurora CO, offering insights into their unique programs, hands-on training opportunities, and why they’re the best choices for aspiring veterinarians.
Make an informed decision for a successful career in animal healthcare.
Community College of Denver – Veterinary Technology Program
The Community College of Denver offers a well-structured Veterinary Technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). This program is designed to cater to diverse student needs with multiple track options: a two-year, three-year, and an apprenticeship track.
Key Features:
- Real-world experience: The program includes hands-on internships available at over 100 approved veterinary hospitals in the Denver metro area.
- Flexible tracks: You can choose between various tracks that suit your schedule and career goals.
- Accreditation: Recognized by the AVMA and CVTEA, ensuring high educational standards.
- Comprehensive curriculum: The curriculum covers essential topics such as radiology, surgical nursing, exotic animal handling, and more.
- Success rates: Graduates boast high success rates in securing employment in various settings, including private veterinary clinics, zoos, and research institutions.
- VTNE Preparation: The program prepares you for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become a licensed veterinary technician.
To enroll, you will need prerequisites in General Biology, English Composition, and Math for Clinical Calculations. The tuition stands around $13,000 for the two-year program, exclusive of additional costs.
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology – Veterinary Technician Program
The Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology is one of the oldest and most extensive veterinary technician training programs in the country. Located on a 6.4-acre campus near Denver, Colorado, it features well-equipped classrooms and lab facilities that mimic real-world veterinary practices.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive campus: Includes on-site surgery and dental suites, a large animal barn, and corrals.
- Experienced faculty: Instruction provided by licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians.
- Internship opportunities: Over 130 approved veterinary facilities offer internships for practical hands-on training.
- Financial assistance: Financial aid and veteran’s benefits are available to students.
- Robust curriculum: Covers all necessary aspects of veterinary technology, preparing you for the VTNE and a successful career.
For detailed information regarding hours and tuition fees, it is best to contact the institute directly.
Pickens Technical College – Veterinary Assistant Program
If you’re looking to start as a veterinary assistant, consider the Veterinary Assistant Program at Pickens Technical College. This program prepares you for entry-level positions in veterinary clinics, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on training.
Key Features:
- Broad curriculum: Covers topics such as veterinary medical terminology, surgical assisting, and animal care skills.
- Hands-on training: Students spend half their time using industry-grade equipment.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited and comprises 26 credit hours.
- Transferable credits: Credits can be transferred within the Colorado Community College System.
- Employment prospects: Significant employment opportunities with starting salaries around $26,000 and the potential to earn $40,000 or more.
This program ensures you gain the necessary skills to begin your career confidently.
Pima Medical Institute – Veterinary Technician Program
The Pima Medical Institute in Aurora provides an enriching Veterinary Technician Program that prepares you for a successful career in veterinary technology. Combining online and in-person instruction, the curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics.
Key Features:
- Integrated learning: Combines online and in-person instruction.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Includes subjects like comparative veterinary anatomy, clinical lab procedures, pharmacology, and emergency procedures.
- Real-world experience: Clinical externships provide hands-on experience under the mentorship of experienced professionals.
- Licensure preparation: Meets licensure requirements in several states and prepares you for the VTNE.
- Well-prepared graduates: Graduates are ready for roles in clinics, hospitals, and animal control facilities amidst a growing job market for veterinary technologists.
Presence at the Aurora campus is required, ensuring you receive the training needed to excel in your field.
Make sure to explore these programs, each offering unique advantages and opportunities to help you achieve your goal of becoming a veterinary professional in Aurora, CO.
Community College of Denver – Veterinary Technology Program
The Community College of Denver’s Veterinary Technology Program offers an unparalleled learning experience for aspiring veterinary technicians. Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), this program ensures that you receive top-notch education and practical experience.
Key Features:
- Diverse Track Options: Choose from a two-year, three-year, or apprenticeship track to fit your lifestyle and goals.
- Extensive Internships: Gain hands-on experience with internships available at over 100 approved veterinary hospitals in the Denver metro area.
- Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Preparation: The program prepares you effectively for the VTNE, a critical step in becoming a licensed veterinary technician.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Your coursework will cover radiology, surgical nursing, exotic animal handling, and more, providing you with the skills needed to succeed.
- Successful Job Placements: Graduates are well-prepared for employment in various settings, such as private veterinary clinics, zoos, and research institutions.
To enroll, you will need prerequisites in General Biology, English Composition, and Math for Clinical Calculations. The tuition is approximately $13,000 for the two-year program, excluding additional costs.
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology – Veterinary Technician Program
The Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology offers one of the oldest and most comprehensive veterinary technician training programs in the United States. Located on a 6.4-acre campus near Denver, the facilities are designed to provide a real-world veterinary experience.
Key Features:
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The campus includes on-site surgery and dental suites, a large animal barn, and corrals.
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians dedicated to your education.
- Vast Internship Network: Over 130 approved veterinary facilities offer internships for practical hands-on training.
- Financial Aid Available: Financial aid and veteran’s benefits can help make your education more affordable.
- Thorough Curriculum: Covers all necessary aspects of veterinary technology, preparing you for the VTNE and a successful career.
Contact the institute directly for detailed information regarding hours and tuition fees.
Pickens Technical College – Veterinary Assistant Program
The Pickens Technical College’s Veterinary Assistant Program is ideal for individuals aiming to start their careers as veterinary assistants. This program balances theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training.
Key Features:
- Extensive Curriculum: Covers topics such as veterinary medical terminology, surgical assisting, and animal care skills.
- Industry-Grade Equipment: Students spend half their time gaining hands-on experience using professional veterinary equipment.
- Accreditation and Transferability: The program comprises 26 credit hours and is accredited, with credits transferable within the Colorado Community College System.
- Employment Prospects: Graduates enjoy significant employment opportunities with starting salaries around $26,000 and potential earnings of $40,000 or more.
This program ensures you gain the necessary skills to begin your career confidently.
Pima Medical Institute – Veterinary Technician Program
The Pima Medical Institute in Aurora provides a Veterinary Technician Program tailored for comprehensive learning. Combining online and in-person instruction, this program covers crucial areas of veterinary healthcare.
Key Features:
- Integrated Learning: A blend of online and in-person instruction ensures a flexible yet thorough educational experience.
- Broad Curriculum: Subjects include comparative veterinary anatomy, clinical lab procedures, pharmacology, and emergency procedures.
- Clinical Externships: Real-world experience is gained through externships under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
- Licensure Preparation: The program meets licensure requirements in several states and thoroughly prepares you for the VTNE.
- Versatile Career Options: Graduates are primed for roles in clinics, hospitals, and animal control facilities within a growing job market for veterinary technologists.
Attendance at the Aurora campus is required, making sure you receive the training needed to excel in your field.
Front Range Community College – Veterinary Technology Program
The Front Range Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program is highly respected for its robust curriculum and high pass rates. This program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree over five semesters or a veterinary assistant certificate over two semesters.
Key Features:
- Accreditation: Accredited by the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities (CVTEA).
- Comprehensive Training: Includes studies on various animals and extensive hands-on internships at partnering veterinary facilities.
- VTNE Eligibility: Prepares you to take the VTNE for becoming a licensed veterinary technician.
- High VTNE Pass Rates: The program boasts a high pass rate of 68.5%, highlighting its effectiveness.
- Flexible Class Formats: Offers various formats to meet your educational needs, making it easier to balance school with other commitments.
Prospective students should verify certification requirements if planning to work outside Colorado.
Tips for Choosing the Right Vet School in Aurora CO
Choosing the right vet school can shape your future career. Here are crucial tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a recognized body like the AVMA. This guarantees the quality of your education.
- Program Tracks and Flexibility: Look for flexible options such as part-time, online courses, or apprenticeship programs.
- Hands-On Experience: Ensure the program includes internships or externships for practical experience.
- Financial Aspects: Consider tuition fees, availability of financial aid, scholarships, and veteran’s benefits.
- Program Outcomes: Check the program’s VTNE pass rates and employment outcomes for graduates.
- Visit Campuses and Gather Insights: Visit campuses, review course content, and speak with current students or alumni.
- Alignment with Career Goals: Make sure the school prepares you adequately for your long-term career goals in veterinary medicine.
Conclusion
This guide has highlighted top vet schools in Aurora, CO, detailing their unique offerings, accreditation, and practical training opportunities. As you evaluate these options, consider factors such as program flexibility, cost, hands-on experience, and long-term career goals. By making an informed choice, you can embark on a successful veterinary career with confidence.