Degree Program

Program Disclosure Information:

Effective July 1, 2011, all degree granting institutions that also participate in the Department of Education's Title IV financial aid programs are required to disclose information pertaining to Gainful Employment.  The following is disclosure information for Bel-Rea Institute:

Curriculum:

  • General classes such as math, chemistry, medical terminology, and technical writing provide a solid foundation for more advanced coursework.
  • Science classes including veterinary science, anatomy and physiology, anesthesiology, hematology, parasitology, and microbiology to prepare you for the scientific part of becoming a veterinary technician.
  • Applied studies including small/large/exotic/avian/laboratory animal medicine, surgery, radiology, treatment/ICU, laboratory procedures, and emergency room techniques give you the hands-on experience you need to prepare for a rewarding career.
  • Internships during the last quarter of the program allow you to work with actual patients in real-life situations – essential preparation for working with animals and their owners as a veterinary technician.

Credits, Degree, and Program Length:

Upon completion of 125 credit hours of curriculum requirements, Bel-Rea Institute students receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology.

  • The standard full-time program length is 24 months, although students can complete it over a longer period if needed, or in a shorter period if their prior college credit can be applied. 
  • Federal Financial Aid allows up to 36 months to complete the program. 
  • Part-time schedules are available.
  • Bel-Rea runs four regular academic quarters per year. 
  • Every class is offered every quarter. 

Program Codes:

  • Bel-Rea's OPEID code:  012670
  • Bel-Rea's Classification of Instructional Program (CIP code):  51.0808
  • Bel-Rea's 2 digit Credential Level:  02 Associate Degree

Occupational Classification & Department of Labor Information:

Bel-Rea's students are trained to become Veterinary Technicians.  Please see the following links for the specific Standard Occupational Classification Code (SOC):

Department of Labor:  http://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/soc292056.htm

Occupational Network (O*Net):  http://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=29-2056

The Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics reports "excellent job opportunities" and that employment is expected to grow "much faster than average" for Veterinary Technicians:  Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-2013 - http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicia....

Graduation & Placement Rates:

Note:  Placement tracking is an ongoing process for several years after each class graduates.  Some graduates choose to go on for more schooling, not work, or stay home with their children instead of entering the field.

On-time Completion Rate (Department of Education):

  • Bel-Rea offers part-time schedules as well as the full-time 24-month schedule; the part-time option does impact the on-time completion rate numbers.
  • Most recently completed award year included in this report:  July 2011-June 2012
  • Number of students who completed the program:  299
  • Number of students who completed within 24 months (full-time):  167
  • Percentage of students that completed the program in 24 months:  56%

Graduation Rate (2012 ACCSC Annual Report):

  • Starting dates of students included in this report:  June 2008-March 2009
  • Number of starting students:  444
  • Number of starting students who completed the program:  269
  • Graduation Rate:  61%

Job Placement Rate by Graduation Date:

  • 2011:  66% (Tracking still in process)
  • 2010:  79% (Tracking still in process)
  • 2009:  79% (Tracking still in process)
  • 2008:  80%
  • 2007:  84%
  • 2006:  84%

Job Placement Rate by Cohort Start Date (2012 ACCSC Annual Report):

  • Starting dates of students included in this report:  June 2008-March 2009
  • Number of starting students who completed the program:  269
  • Number of students who reported employment in the field:  207
  • Placement Rate:  77%

Board Exam Passing Rates (PES/AAVSB):

  • Board exam dates included in percentages:  2008-April 2013
  • First time board exam pass percentage for Bel-Rea graduates:  82-90%
  • First time board exam pass percentage for all U.S./Canadian graduates of AVMA accredited programs:  71-77%

Program Cost:

Your tuition amount will not change throughout the program with continuous enrollment!

  • Entire Program Tuition as of Fall 2012:  $27,900
  • Fees (parking, activities, labs):  $0
  • Books and supplies for entire program (approximate):  $2,450

Disclosure of Median Loan Debt (for the 2011-2012 Award Year):

  • Title IV Loan Debt:  Out of the 299 students who completed the program, 258 (86%) students borrowed Direct Student loans. Median Direct Loan amount was $26,498.14.
  • Private Educational Loan Debt:  Out of the 299 students who completed the program, 32 (9%) students borrowed private loans.  Median private loan amount was $10,500.

Downloadable Program Disclosure Information (PDF)

Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator is available to assist students in ESTIMATING the cost of attendance for a nine month period at Bel-Rea Institute.  The estimate includes tuition, and the approximate cost of books/supplies and other potential expenses, as well as an approximate amount of grant aid the student might expect to receive.  These costs are based on the 2010-2011 award year.  Bel-Rea offers other financial aid, including student loans, which are not included in this Net Price Calculator. 

Link to Net Price Calculator