Welcome to Bel-Rea!
Veterinary Technician Training
About the Program
Get the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed.
Our Campus
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology is located on a 6.4-acre campus just outside beautiful Denver, Colorado. Bel-Rea is one of the oldest and largest veterinary technician training programs in the country. Our well-equipped classroom and laboratory facilities allow us to provide the hands-on training you need to succeed in the field of veterinary medicine.
From on-site surgery and dental suites to a large animal barn and corrals, you’ll have access to a full array of settings that mimic those you’ll come across throughout your career.
Faculty
Bel-Rea has over 40 Faculty, Administrative Staff, and Paid Animal Care Staff Members, all of whom have one focus: our veterinary technician training program.
The Faculty at Bel-Rea consists of three Professors (Licensed Veterinarians), 12 Technical Instructors (Certified Veterinary Technicians), two General Education Instructors, and an Internship Coordinator. In addition, students receive presentations on specialty topics from guest lecturers and animal handling mentorship from Paid Animal Care Staff (PACS).
Internships
Bel-Rea students spend the last quarter of the program (10 weeks) interning at one of our 200+ approved veterinary hospitals and facilities. The internship program allows you to put all of your classroom and laboratory instruction to use in an actual veterinary setting, receiving hands-on, real world experience.
Each internship facility is staffed by highly qualified veterinarians and credentialed technicians who work to ensure you receive clinical experience in a variety of areas in order to gain practical experience.
Financial Aid
Whether you are just beginning the financial aid process, are needing to finish your loan counseling, or want to explore aid options, Bel-Rea's Financial Aid Office is here to help.
Federal Financial Aid and Veteran's Benefits are available to those who qualify. We are dedicated to making our veterinary technician program affordable to students who need help paying for college. In fact, 70-85% of our students choose to utilize some type of financial aid each year.
Looking into attending Bel-Rea? Please speak with an Admissions Advisor before starting the Financial Aid process - call (303) 751-8700 or (800) 950-8001 (toll free), or request information.
Admissions Requirements
A high school graduate or individual who has earned a High School Equivalency Diploma/Certificate may apply for admission to Bel-Rea. Bel-Rea accepts diplomas/certificates from accredited high school or equivalency programs, or rigorous home school programs. Documents produced by “diploma mills” are not approved.
An entrance exam for admission to Bel-Rea is required for applicants who graduated from high school but had a cumulative GPA below 2.4, applicants with a high school equivalency diploma/certificate, or applicants who attended high school outside of the United States. The entrance exam is waived for applicants who have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the United States (official transcripts required).
Graduate Testimonials
“I have seen and learned so much working in the field of veterinary medicine. It is not only patients that I grow attached to, many of the pet owners have touched my heart as clients and the relationships I have developed caring for their pets has added much joy to my life. My favorite part about my job is.”
“During my first quarter, not only did I separate from my now ex-husband, but my best friend passed away. I had A’s in all of my classes, but started failing my exams and not doing my homework. I didn’t think I would make it through, but because of how small the classes are, I made many friends that helped me through that difficult time and I passed my first quarter with two A’s and a B. After that, I realized how strong I really was.”
Graduate Testimonials
“I have seen and learned so much working in the field of veterinary medicine. It is not only patients that I grow attached to, many of the pet owners have touched my heart as clients and the relationships I have developed caring for their pets has added much joy to my life. My favorite part about my job is.”
“During my first quarter, not only did I separate from my now ex-husband, but my best friend passed away. I had A’s in all of my classes, but started failing my exams and not doing my homework. I didn’t think I would make it through, but because of how small the classes are, I made many friends that helped me through that difficult time and I passed my first quarter with two A’s and a B. After that, I realized how strong I really was.”
Upcoming Events
Visit us at these upcoming events in the community:
Free CE at Bel-Rea – Seizures: Recognition of Different Types and Treatment Options/Vestibular and Cerebellar Diseases by Lori Fuehrer, CVT, VTS – Tuesday, July 23rd from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Registration is required and limited to 100 attendees, so sign up soon to save your spot! See the Continuing Ed page for details and registration information.
Free CE at Bel-Rea – End of Life by David Shuey, RVT, CHPT – Monday, June 17th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Registration is Required and limited 100 attendees, so sign up soon to save your spot! See the Continuing Ed page details and registration information
Free CE at Bel-Rea for Current Bel-Rea Students Only – An Evening of Learning with Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, DABVP, and Christina Bove, DVM – Wednesday, August 14th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Topics include Urban Wildlife and Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary Technicians Role in Conservation, and ECG Interpretation. Registration is required, so sign up soon to save your spot! See the Continuing Ed page for details and registration information.
Extreme Jousting – Thursday, August 8th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Bel-Rea is sponsoring this event, so be sure to stop by! Please see the Events page for details
Thank you for connecting with us at these recent events:
Denver STEM College and Career Fair, Bel-Rea Career Networking Fair, Career Spark from Denver Public Schools Tour and Demonstration at Bel-Rea, Jefferson County High School Career Expo, Denver Public School Career Fair, Bel-Rea's Community Exploration Night, Community College of Aurora's Transfer Fair, Aurora Animal Shelter's Foster Parent Event, Sobesky Career Fair, Pinnacle Charter Career Fair, Denver Public Schools' Career Connect, Countryside Large Animal's Client Appreciation Day, and Dumb Friends League's Telethon for Pets, Furry Scurry, CatFest, and Wag'n Trails.
Our next start date:
We are currently enrolling new students for our June 29, 2020 start date. Please contact Bel-Rea's Admissions Team for more information on our program and a career as a veterinary technician!
Ask Bel-Rea's Admissions Team to come to your event:
Want our Admissions Team to come and talk at your Denver Metro Area's High School STEM Club, career event, etc.? Is your orgranization offering a college-transfer fair or animal-focused event? Please contact us at 303-751-8700 to share your connection opportunity.
Campus Alerts: There are no closures or alerts at this time.
Need resources or have questions about campus security? Contact Rebecca Brown, Student Services/Title IX Coordinator,
at brown@belrea.edu or (303) 751-8700.