Veterinary Technology

Program of Study

Veterinary Technology

Curriculum
Partnerships with 75 Veterinary Hospitals & Facilities, Direct to Work
Offered in the Classroom & 27% Online
  • AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree | 74-75 Credits

Applications for the Veterinary Technology Apprenticeship Program Is Now Open!


The application cycle for the Veterinary Technology Apprenticeship Program is open until March 1st.  When you begin the application process at www.ccd.edu be sure to select Veterinary Technology Apprenticeship under "Select a degree or certificate."  The application for our traditional Veterinary Technology program will be available April 1 to July 1. The next Veterinary Technology Assistant application cycle opens May 1st for fall start. Questions? Please call 303.365.8300.

About the Program

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, 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

Veterinary technology two-year and three-year track classes are held on 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 prior to 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 fall 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 prior to graduation. Three-year track curriculum information will help you learn about the courses being offered. Learn more about the application process and apply today!
NEW! Apprenticeship Track
The apprenticeship program is a collaboration between the college, 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 individual employer. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or above prior to graduation. The apprenticeship track curriculum information will be available in spring 2021.

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.

Physical Requirements

  • 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.

Sensory Abilities

  • 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 sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.  
  • Hear auscultatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergency, and cries for help.
  • Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger and or injury.
  • Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform 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.

Mental Abilities

  • 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 102, VET 106, VET 108, VET 115,
VET 116, VET 134, VET 172, VET 182,
VET 205, VET 206, VET 223, VET 224,
VET 225, VET 227, VET 232, VET 238,
VET 239, VET 241, VET 242, VET 243,
VET 250, VET 280, VET 281, VET 282		 High-cost course fee $7.45 (per credit hour)
VET 134 Lab supplies & materials $25.00 (flat)
VET 205 Lab supplies & materials $46.00 (flat)
VET 225 Lab supplies & materials $338.00 (flat)
VET 238 Lab supplies & materials $36.00 (flat)
VET 280, VET 281, VET 282 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 102, VET 109, VET 120, VET 227 High-cost course fee $7.21 (per credit hour)
VET 108 301 Course fee $150
VET 108 302 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 $35,320 ($16.98 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, 2017 - June 30, 2020
Number of First-Time Candidates That Have Taken the VTNE 65
CCD 3-Year Pass Rate for First-Time Candidates 74%
   

Stackable

The veterinary technology assistant certificate seamlessly transfers to the veterinary technology A.A.S. degree.