Assistant Programs

• Schools that have veterinary assistant programs usually provide a certificate of completion. These programs are generally less than a year in length.
• In Colorado, one assistant program is through PIMA. They have two campuses, one in Denver and one in Colorado Springs. For more information about this program, please visit http://www.pmi.edu/locations_home.asp.
• Graduation from this program will not allow you to become a certified veterinary technician in Colorado.

Technician Programs

• Schools that provide veterinary technician programs are generally accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). For details on AVMA accreditation standards, visit http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp
• There are both two- and four-year programs although the two-year programs are more popular. After graduating, the person will receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology from a two-year program and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in veterinary technology from a four-year program. The BS degree then qualifies the person to be considered a veterinary technologist, rather than a veterinary technician (with an AAS degree).
• In many states, in order to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), you must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program. In most states, you must pass the VTNE in order to become credentialed. Check with a specific state to determine their specific requirements. In Colorado, you must be a graduate of an AVMA-accredited program in order to sit for the VTNE.

For a list of AVMA-accredited programs, visit http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp

Distance Learning Programs

• These are also AVMA-accredited programs and graduation from one of them will qualify you to sit for the VTNE. These programs allow students to work towards their AAS degree even though they don't physically attend an on-campus program. Distant learning courses are modeled upon the same courses taught in the on-campus programs.
• For a list of AVMA-accredited distant learning programs, visit http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_distance_learning.asp

What is Veterinary Technology?