Veterinary Technology

Do you have a passion for animals and care about their health and well-being? Do you want to make an impact on how animals are treated, while enabling pet owners to become better educated and more responsible when caring for their pets?

A career as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant could very well be the job you're looking for. At FRCC, we'll prepare for a job you'll love with a degree in veterinary technology or a veterinary assistant certificate.

Why Study Veterinary Technology at Front Range Community College?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment among veterinary technicians is projected to increase by 20 percent over the next 10 years, with approximately 15,500 new jobs for vet techs each year.

At FRCC, we educate and empower you to work as a veterinary health care professional. You'll learn how to interact with other workers in the field, patients and clients in a professional and ethical manner.

We offer a degree and certificate program to help you begin your career. Our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology will prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician in five semesters. Our veterinary assistant certificate program can be completed in two semesters. Both programs are offered in the classroom and hybrid format so you'll be able to create a schedule that fits your needs.

With the help of dedicated faculty, you'll develop your technical skills and practice the creative thinking and problem-solving skills you'll need in the veterinary field. FRCC's veterinary technology program also has partnerships with 85 veterinary hospitals and facilities to provide you with unique internship and animal handling opportunities.

Once you complete our AAS in veterinary technology degree, you'll be prepared to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once you pass the VTNE, you can become certified as a veterinary technician in Colorado.

High Pass Rate on the VTNE Exam

Once you complete our AAS in veterinary technology degree, you'll be prepared to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once you pass the VTNE, you can become certified as a veterinary technician in Colorado. 

FRCC VTNE Pass Rate Info July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 79
VTNE three-year pass percentage for FRCC first time test takers 82%
National average three-year pass percentage for first time test takers. 66.2%

Degree Details

AAS in Veterinary Technology

Program Location: Larimer

Total Credits: 72 credits (5 semesters)

FRCC's full-time veterinary technician degree program trains you in veterinary health and handling of a variety of animals including companion animals, food animals, exotic animals, birds and lab animals. You'll study topics including anatomy and physiology, radiology, parasitology, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesia and pharmacology. Our vet tech training program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities. Once you've completed this program you can take the national exam to become a credentialed veterinary technician.

View Program DetailsView Admissions Process and Requirements

Certificate Details

Veterinary Assistant

Program Location: Larimer

Total Credits: 16.25 credits (2 semesters)

Our veterinary assistant program provides education in veterinary health and handling of a variety of domestic, exotic and large animal species with emphasis on assisting the entire veterinary team. Our veterinary assistant certificate is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

View Program DetailsView Admission Process and Requirements

Careers & Outcomes

Your degree or certificate can open doors for a career in a variety of settings.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Veterinary Technology program prepares students to take the Technician National Exam (VTNE). States that require the Technician National Exam (VTNE) or the Certificated Veterinary Technician (CVT) and require licensure or certification to practice as a veterinary technician: Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. 

These states do not require graduates to pass either the VTNE or CVT to practice in that state. Additional in-state on-the-job training may be required.  Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming

Colorado requires either that graduates sit for and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) or that you complete 6,500 hours of verified work experience. 

Licensing Board 

Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians: https://www.cacvt.org/registration, | 303-318-0652 

Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE): https://www.aavsb.org/vtne-overview/ | 816-931-1504 

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Kim Schmidt