Accreditation
The Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Inquiries may be made with COE by calling: (770) 396-3898. The Council’s mailing address: 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA, 30350. They may be located on the web at: www.council.org
The CAVT School For Vet Tech is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Inquiries may be made to the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA©) by calling: (847) 925-8070. Mailing address for CVTEA©: 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL, 60173-4360. They may be found on the web at: www.avma.org
The CAVT is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools. They may be contacted at: (303) 866-4184. Their address is: CO Dept. Of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1600, Denver, CO, 80202. They are located on the web at:http://highered.colorado.gov/DPOS/Students/
CAVT VTNE Pass Rate School Report Data |
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| Total July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023 | |
| Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE | 81 |
| Three-year VTNE pass percentage | 62.96% |
NOTE: Not all eligible students elect to take the VTNE exam since some states do not require credentialing. Therefore, the pass rate reflects only those who have actually taken and passed the exam. In addition, the COVID-related learning environment resulted in some testing difficulties for some students.
Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology (CAVT)
The Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology (CAVT) trains and develops veterinary health care professionals to be efficient, innovative, and service-oriented for various employment selections.
Our students are equipped to become self-sufficient veterinary nurses qualified to make critical nursing assessments and actively contribute to a dynamic veterinary team due to the Academy’s harmonious and productive learning environment.
Our fundamental vision is to provide an intimate educational environment to produce veterinary paraprofessionals who are knowledgeable, proficient, and highly effective interpersonal skills.
CAVT is a premier school of Veterinary Technology in Colorado Springs. Our students persist in progressing in the field by practicing cutting-edge technologies and techniques used in veterinary medicine, which help encourage intellectual rigor and professional growth.
With CAVT, students experience merging academic knowledge with hands-on expertise.
Veterinary Technology Program
Veterinary Technology is the study of procedures used in the medical care of animals.
The associate degree in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology is intended to prepare technicians to work as assistants to veterinarians in the industry, medical facilities, and veterinary clinics.
Veterinary technologists also perform patient assessments and surgical and clinical procedures on animal patients.
The Veterinary Technology program covers the following areas:
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Vet Clinical Pathology and Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Animal Diseases
- Anesthesiology
- Radiology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Nursing
- Surgical Nursing
- Surgical Nursing Large Animal Nursing
- Medical Dosage
- Applied Behavior Techniques
- Vet Hospital and Office Procedures
- Emergency and Critical Care
- Nutrition and Complementary Therapies
- Vet Clinical Laboratory Principles
This program teaches animal care and restraint, nursing, surgical preparation and methods, medication administration, anesthesia, anatomy, laboratory skills, and radiography. Students are also offered preceptorships in private offices and research institutes to give significant on-the-job education.
Veterinary Technician Education
An associate degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Sciences, or a similar discipline is required to become a veterinary technician. However, before enrolling in an associate degree program, some schools may demand aspiring vet technologists to complete up to 20 hours of observation at a veterinary clinic and have a high school diploma.
During the two-year course, students will learn the information and abilities needed to help and support veterinary practitioners, public health officials, and biomedical research scientists. They will also learn several veterinary practices concerning animal handling of exotic animals and lab animals with their veterinary technician degree.
While a job as a veterinarian technician requires an understanding of general medical practices relevant to animal care, many individuals prefer to specialize as a vet tech.
According to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), there are 16 fields of expertise for a vet tech:
- Surgery
- Anesthesia
- Dermatology
- Dental
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical pathology
- Zoology
- Clinical practice
- Animal behavior
- Nutrition
- Internal medicine
- Laboratory medicine
- Emergency/critical care
- Equine
- Diagnostic imaging
- Physical rehabilitation
Veterinary technicians play a significant role in the holistic care of animals. Veterinary technicians attend approved institutions such as CAVT and then work as assistants to licensed veterinarians at an animal hospital, veterinary clinic, or other facilities that provide medical care for animals.
A veterinarian technician’s regular responsibilities include the following:
- Perform X-rays and other diagnostic tests
- Administer vaccinations and medications
- Administer anesthesia to animals
- Prep animals for surgery and other medical procedures
- Prepare surgical instruments for surgery
- Assist during animal surgery and other medical procedures
- Observe and analyze animal behaviors and conditions
- Provide routine or emergency medical care for animals
- Assist in medical research related to animals
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Most states use the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) as certification requirements. The vet tech examination is given for aspiring certified veterinary technicians three times a year, in the spring, summer, and winter.
The VTNE is designed to test the ability of entry-level veterinary technicians to practice and become authorized. The VTNE is necessary for licensing in most states, including Colorado.
To take the VTNE, you must have completed an AVMA-accredited or regulatory board-approved veterinary technician program. You must also apply to the AAVSB before taking the exam.
The VTNE focuses on nine major areas known as domains:
1.Anesthesia
2.Pharmacy & Pharmacology
3.Pain Management
4.Dentistry
5.Diagnostic Imaging
6.Laboratory Procedures
7.Surgical Nursing
8.Animal Care and Nursing
9.Emergency Medicine/Critical Care
Your results will be sent to your local veterinary board when you complete the exam. You can move on to the rest of your certification requirements if you pass. However, many states demand that you renew your certification by completing a specified number of hours of continuing education.
FAQS
Am I eligible to take the VTNE in Colorado?
For AVMA-accredited veterinary technology graduates, the AAVSB analyzes and determines VTNE eligibility.
A final transcript (with graduation date and a degree granted) must be provided directly from the institution to the AAVSB before the application deadline to be eligible. No student copies will be accepted.
The chosen jurisdiction will receive an official score report automatically.
What are the transcript requirements needed for the VTNE?
All transcripts must come directly from the school, or the online transcript service used by the school. In addition, transcripts must show the graduation date and degree conferred.
It will not be accepted if it is a faxed transcript, a student copy, or an incomplete transcript. A copy of your diploma will also not be obtained.
You may have your transcripts sent through any of the following:
- Online transcript service – accepted directly from the online service only. Email to vettech@aavsb.org.
- Transcripts emailed by your school registrar – Must have a professional school signature on the email. Transcripts should be emailed to vettech@aavsb.org.
- Mailed transcripts – should be sent to AAVSB – VTNE Program, 380 W. 22nd Street, Suite 101, Kansas City, MO 64108.
How do I become a Certified Veterinary Technician in Colorado?
According to the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT), a Certified Veterinary Technician:
- Graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
- Passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE)
- Registered with the credentialing entity of the state
- Maintained Certification Renewal and Continuing Education requirements all through professional life
Consider becoming an Associate Member of the CACVT if you do not meet the certification criteria. Associate membership does not lead to certification but provides access to valuable member advantages within the veterinary field.
I am a foreign veterinary technician and would like to work in the U.S. What should I do?
An entry visa and work permit are required to work in the United States legally. Entry visas are handled by the Department of Immigration and Naturalization, while the Department of Labor-Alien Certification handles work permits. The requisite paperwork should be available from the American Consulate or Embassy in your country of origin.
The first step is to obtain the required documents to operate in the United States. And to work as a veterinary technician in the United States, you must also check the state’s rules and regulations.
Can I apply for a license without attending school?
In most states, you cannot become credentialed unless you have graduated from an accredited veterinary technology program. Only a few states provide an alternative way for people to take the exam. However, there are several conditions that you must meet before taking the test. In addition, the AAVSB declared in 2000 that they would no longer utilize the National Veterinary Technician Exam in some instances within ten years.
If you can attend a veterinary technology school in your state, it is worth the effort. The volume of information hidden underneath the talents you currently possess will surprise you. But if you cannot attend a program in person, the AVMA presently recognizes five Distance Learning Programs that you may complete through the Internet.
I am a Credentialed Vet Tech from another state. What should I do to get my certification in Colorado?
Individuals officially certified in another state and pursuing certification in Colorado are considered transfers. Transfer applicants should provide the following:
- Transfer Application
- A copy of either your diploma or official AVMA school transcripts
- Proof of current credentialing from the governing entity in the state from which you are transferring
- A copy of your VTNE Pass score will be sent directly from the AAVSB to the CACVT – To have your VTNE score moved to CACVT, visit http://aavsb.org/VIVA/score-transfers. Contact the AAVSB at 877/698-8486.
- A letter of good standing from your previous licensing entity sent to the CACVT – This letter should be addressed to Andrew R. Vagelatos, Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians, 191 Yuma St., Denver, CO 80223.