Are you interested in learning how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Colorado (CO)? Browse below to learn about the best vet tech schools and related programs in your area as well as certification and licensing requirements, and income and employment data.
Why not take the first step today by reaching our to your preferred schools near you to request more information on their veterinary programs.
Requirements to become a Vet Tech in Colorado
If you wish to become a vet tech in Colorado it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited veterinary technician/technology program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary – if you wish to work as a vet tech in Colorado. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Accredited Vet Tech Programs Colorado
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology | Denver, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology | Colorado Springs, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Colorado Mountain College | Glenwood Springs, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Community College of Denver | Denver, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Front Range Community College | Fort Collins, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Pima Medical Institute | Colorado Springs, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Pima Medical Institute | Aurora, CO | Associate of Applied Science |
There is currently 7 accredited vet tech schools in Colorado.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Colorado Vet Tech License
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in Colorado.
The Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: 191 Yuma Street, Denver, CO 80223
Phone: 866/318.0652
Email: information@cacvt.org
Vet Tech Salary Colorado
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $34,460 |
| Hourly Wage | $16.57 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $46,200 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $25,440 |
| #'s Employed | 3,920 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average vet tech salary in Colorado is $34,460 – 1% below the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $16.57.
There are currently 3,920 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Colorado.
Employment and Salary by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Colorado strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details the salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in Colorado.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $29,910 | $37,710 | $23,790 | - |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $35,620 | $48,270 | $25,990 | 540 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $35,270 | $46,270 | $26,260 | 1,950 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $35,940 | $46,420 | $26,810 | 430 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $31,750 | $45,350 | $21,780 | 140 |
| Greeley, CO | $28,080 | $36,830 | $21,160 | 150 |
Related Veterinary Careers in Colorado
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Colorado.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech Colorado | $34,460 | 3,920 |
| Veterinarian Colorado | $86,220 | 2,120 |
| Vet Assistant Colorado | $27,200 | 480 |