Veterinary Technology
CurriculumPartnerships with 75 Veterinary Hospitals & Facilities, Direct to Work
Offered in the Classroom & 27% Online
- AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree | 74-75 Credits
Veterinary Technology
Veterinary Technology
Veterinary technicians play a major role in veterinary practices, including performing medical and surgical nursing procedures, laboratory testing, anesthesia induction, recovery maintenance, monitoring, and other clinical procedures.
As a program graduate, you will be able to perform tasks that include but are not limited to assisting with client education and support, assisting veterinarians in an exam, anesthesia, treatment, and performing diagnostic laboratory procedures and imaging.
Your education will lead to an Associate of Applied Science in veterinary technology and prepares you to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination to earn your credentials.
Check out the events calendar for upcoming program advising and information sessions.
Veterinary technology two-year and three-year track classes are held at CCD's Lowry location in east Denver. Veterinary Technology apprenticeship courses are completed through remote learning via online modules and in-person labs.
Cohorts must be taken in order, and students cannot switch from one of the three tracks to another without going through a new application process (see more details below). Each track is limited to the first 24 applicants. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Internships, clinical rotations, and apprenticeships are provided by veterinary clinics and non-profits throughout Colorado.
Two-Year Track |
|---|
|
The program begins in the fall semester and continues for five semesters (cohorts), including summer, for 18 months of continual study. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or above before graduation. The two-year track curriculum information will help you learn about the courses being offered. Learn more about the application process and apply today! |
Three-Year Track |
|---|
|
The program begins in the Spring semester and continues for seven semesters (cohorts), including two summer semesters for 26 months of continual study. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or above before graduation. Three-year track curriculum information will help you learn about the courses being offered. Learn more about the application process and apply today! |
Apprenticeship Track |
|---|
|
The apprenticeship program is a collaboration between the college, the employer, and the US Department of Labor. In addition to an AAS degree and Veterinary Technician National Exam eligibility, all program completers receive a nationally recognized certificate from the US Department of Labor. The program begins in the fall semester and runs continuously for five semesters, including two Winterim terms and one Maymester term for 21 months of continual study. Traditional college breaks do not occur with the apprenticeship program, and time off follows the policy of each employer. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or above before graduation. The apprenticeship track curriculum will help you learn about the courses being offered. Learn more about the application process and apply today! Be sure to select Apprenticeship Track under "Program Selection." |
Essential Functions of a Vet Tech
Essential functions necessary for a competent veterinary health technician are standards that protect the technician, other members of the health care team, and the animal patients.
- Ability to tolerate walking and standing for sustained periods of time.
- Capable of lifting and/or carrying up to 50 pounds from the floor to waist level frequently.
- Capable of using hands and arms to handle, install, position, and move materials.
- Capable of handling, positioning, and restraining live animals.
- Visual ability to see details at a close range and to make observations and assessments necessary in animal care.
- Visual ability to use diagnostic equipment, i.e., microscope, thermometer, refractometer, etc.
- Auditory ability is sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
- Hear auscultatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergencies, and cries for help.
- Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger and or injury.
- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and performing nursing duties.
- Perform palpation during physical exams.
- Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medications.
- Insert and remove tubes and perform wound care management.
- Collect organic samples from live animals.
- Amenable to learning safe handling, restraining, and working with any species of domestic or exotic animals without fear. These animals may be sick, injured, fractious, or aggressive without fear.
- Willingness to assist with or perform a wide variety of routine medical-surgical and diagnostic procedures common to the veterinary setting, including humane euthanasia.
- Capacities to read and hear, understand, and quickly execute complex verbal and written instructions given in English.
- Possess emotional stability when performing duties in animal life-and-death situations or other stressful situations.
- Able to respond promptly and appropriately during emergencies.
Accreditation
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)
These accreditations represent the highest standard of achievement for veterinary medical education in the United States. Accreditation of specialized professional and occupational schools, such as veterinary technology, is undertaken primarily to provide the public with an assurance of the quality of the educational preparation of that profession's members.
Graduation from an AVMA or CVTEA accredited institution is a prerequisite for licensure or certification for professional practice through the majority of state licensing boards and credentialing agencies in order to meet the educational prerequisites.
Available Online
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 27 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
Course & Program Fees
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
Course Fees
The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees:
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| VET 1002, VET 1206, VET 1008, VET 1015, VET 1016, VET 1034, VET 1072, VET 1082, VET 2005, VET 2006, VET 2023, VET 2024, VET 2025, VET 2027, VET 2032, VET 2038, VET 2039, VET 1241, VET 2042, VET 2043, VET 2050, VET 2080, VET 2081, VET 2082 |
High-cost course fee | $8.45 (per credit hour) |
| VET 1034 | Lab supplies & materials | $25.00 (flat) |
| VET 2005 | Lab supplies & materials | $46.00 (flat) |
| VET 2025 | Lab supplies & materials | $338.00 (flat) |
| VET 2038 | Lab supplies & materials | $36.00 (flat) |
| VET 2080, VET 2081, VET 2082 | Dosimetry Badge | $19.00 (flat) |
Online Course Fees
A separate fee is used to absorb the cost of any lab kits needed for lab-based online courses. This fee eliminates the need for students to purchase lab kits separately.
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| VET 1002, VET 1020 and VET 2027 | High-cost course fee | $7.60 (per credit hour) |
| VET 1008 301 | Course fee | $150 |
| VET 1008 302 | Course fee | $200 |
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for federal financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships.
Internships & Service Learning Opportunities
CCD two-year and three-year track vet tech students spend multiple semesters completing four different levels of internships at area veterinary hospitals and facilities, all of them approved and accredited with supervision provided by the veterinarian and veterinary technician. This hands-on, real-world experience in actual veterinary settings better prepares you for a career in veterinary technology.
CCD has partnerships with over 100 veterinary hospitals or facilities in and around the Denver metro area and beyond; our students are often hired by the facility after a successful internship. CCD students perform internships at area facilities. Some of them include:
- Animal Emergency and Specialty Center, Parker, Colorado
- Homestead Animal Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
- Aurora Animal Hospital, Aurora, Colorado
- Banfield the Pet Hospital, Glendale, Colorado
- Broadview Animal Clinic, Denver, Colorado
- VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colorado
- Wheatridge Animal Hospital, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Job Outlook & Salary Information
What Can I Do with My Major?
CCD’s veterinary technician program will prepare you for immediate employment in work settings that include private veterinary clinics, zoos, research institutions, and state and federal agencies. Opportunities for employment as a veterinary technician are excellent. Job availability now exceeds the number of graduates.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The annual median pay for veterinary technologists is $38,240 ($18.38 (hourly). The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Program Outcomes
Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) High Passing Rate
July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2023 |
|
|---|---|
| Number of First-Time Candidates That Have Taken the VTNE 90 | 74 |
| CCD 3-Year Pass Rate for First-Time Candidates | 78% |
National Average 3-Year Pass Rate for Frist Time Candidates 69%
Total of 2022 Graduates |
Total Students Employed in their Field of Study |
Total Students Who Have Transferred to 4-Year Degree or Other Institution |
|---|---|---|
34 |
32 |
2 |
Stackable
The veterinary technology assistant certificate seamlessly transfers to the veterinary technology A.A.S. degree.
Community College of Denver does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its employment practices or educational programs and activities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. Equal Opportunity is the Law.