Veterinary Technology Assistant

Veterinary Technology Assistant

Curriculum
Direct to Work, Stackable
Offered in the Classroom & 19% Online
  • CERT Certificate | 16 Credits
Program of Study

The application cycle for the Veterinary Technology Assistant program is now open year-round.

Apply Now

At CCD, we offer you two options to get started in this fast-growing field: the veterinary technician associate degree program and the veterinary technician assistant certificate program.

Click here for the schedule of upcoming program advising and information sessions.

Starting in Fall 2024

The Veterinary Technology Assistant Program will offer evening classes. 

About the Certificate

The veterinary technology assistant certificate program provides training in veterinary health and handling of various domestic and exotic species, focusing on tasks for assisting veterinary technicians and veterinarians.

As a program graduate, you will be able to perform tasks that include:

  • Restrain and care for animals
  • Assist with post-surgical nursing and care
  • Assist in the laboratory
  • Learn office procedures

Who Should Apply

  • People who love animals
  • Recent high school or GED graduates
  • Those seeking a retraining opportunity
  • Short-term training option for students without academic credentials who have an interest in veterinary medicine
  • Career exploration with a limited investment of time and money
Apply Now
 

Admission Requirements 

  • Demonstrate you are ready for college. Visit ccd.edu/collegeready to learn more.
  • It is important to attend the Veterinary Technology information session to learn more about the program.

Available Online

CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 19 percent of its certificate 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 1003, VET 1004
VET 1014, VET 1017, VET 1083		 High-cost course fee $8.45 (per credit hour)

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 1009 VET 1020 High-cost course fee $8.45 (per credit hour)
VET 1083 Course fee $50

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

Veterinary assistant students have one, 90-hour internship in a veterinary hospital or facility under the supervision of the veterinarian and veterinary technologists. Gain practical experience and use what you learned in the classroom.

CCD has partnerships with 75 veterinary hospitals or facilities in and around Denver; 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
  • Aurora Animal Hospital, Aurora, Colorado
  • Banfield the Pet Hospital, Glendale, Colorado
  • Broadview Animal Clinic, Denver, Colorado
  • VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colorado

Job Outlook & Salary Information

What Can I Do with My Major?

The veterinary technology assistant 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 assistant are excellent. Job availability now exceeds the number of graduates. Please be aware that while this program provides an introduction to the field of veterinary medicine and will prepare you to be a veterinary assistant, it is not intended to help provide you admission to a college of veterinary medicine.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn?

The annual median pay for veterinary assistants was $34,740 ($16.70 hourly).

The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Program Outcomes

Total of 2021 Graduates Total Students Employed in their Field of Study Total Students Who Have Transferred to 4-year Degree or Other Institution
27 20 2

Stackable

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