How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Colorado

Veterinary assistants are trained to look after pets in a certain capacity, which typically falls below what one would expect from a veterinarian or a veterinary technician. Still, despite the hierarchy, the duties of a veterinary assistant are so important that it is almost impossible to run a successful veterinary clinic with them.

In Colorado, these professionals enjoy a relatively straightforward path to start their careers. As one would expect, the journey becomes even easier when a candidate knows exactly what to expect along the journey before they begin.

To that end, we have provided a detailed outlook of the steps needed to become a veterinary assistant in Colorado below. We don’t just stop there. However, we also touch upon other key details, such as the possible certification options, top programs, and salary projections.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Colorado

Below are the steps required to start a veterinary assistant career in Colorado.

Step 1: Basic Educational Requirement

Colorado does not have a basic educational requirement for veterinary assistants. However, Employers and veterinary establishments tend to gravitate towards candidates with at least a high school diploma or GED.

Those who enroll in an accredited veterinary assistant training program may also be asked to provide their diploma before being offered admission.

Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program

There are several training programs in Colorado where candidates can receive the necessary training for a career in veterinary assisting. Those who would like to become certified in the future may choose to attend a program that is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)

As we’ll see below, this offers several benefits but is optional. Candidates must attend a training program where they can learn all key topics and participate in hands-on training.

Later in the guide, we will explore possible training destinations for aspiring veterinary assistants in Colorado.

Step 3: Secure Job Placement

The most popular employers of veterinary assistants in Colorado include Veterinary Centers of America, Banfield Pet Hospital, Petco Wellness Centers, and Vaccination Clinics.

Consider Careers with Similar Paths:

• Learn about becoming a veterinary technician in Colorado

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Veterinary assistants in Colorado are not required by law to obtain certification. However, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America offers such an opportunity through the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential.

As mentioned, candidates must have graduated from a training program approved by NAVTA to qualify for this credential. They will then have to complete a 100-question exam in 150 minutes.

Anyone who obtains a score of 75% and above will be considered to have passed the examination and will be awarded the credential, which is valid for 2 years. To renew, candidates must participate in continuing education through classroom instructions, online courses, seminars, and conferences.

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Colorado

Aspiring veterinary assistants in Colorado may consider the programs below for their extensive introduction to the field.

Notable Mentions

Other notable options for high-quality veterinary assistant training in Colorado include the certificate programs in veterinary assisting available at the Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology, Community College of Denver, and Pickens Technical College.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Assistant in Nebraska

Salary & Career Outlook

Data shows that an average veterinary assistant in Colorado will likely take home an annual salary of around $44,613. Those who fall among the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $61,865, while those who fall among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $32,172.

The state’s highest-paying cities to practice as a veterinary assistant are Denver, with an annual average salary of $47,798; Parker, with an annual average salary of $46,577; and Littleton, with an annual average salary of $45,304.

Boulder is the fourth-highest with an annual average salary of $45,181, while Arvada rounds up the top five with an annual average salary of $44,248.