Bel-Rea
Institute of Animal Technology in beautiful Denver, CO.
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Welcome to Bel-Rea!
Veterinary Technician Training
HOURS OF OPERATION
Administrative Office hours are Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Fridays: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. The Bookstore hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9am-3pm, Tuesday and Thursday: 11am-3pm. Visitors are required to complete a symptom check at the Front Desk upon arrival.
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: the success of our veterinary technician training program.
The professors at Bel-Rea consists of three licensed veterinarians, twelve 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, need to finish your loan counseling, or want to explore other aid options, Bel-Rea's Financial Aid Office is here to help.
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.
Federal financial aid and veteran's benefits are available to those who qualify. 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 via our website.
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
“Bel-Rea was not the first choice for me. I had plans to become a lawyer or start my career off in law enforcement. Hunting for colleges and putting in applications was stressful and not how anyone wants to spend their days after high school. I came across a Bel-Rea ad via Instagram of all places, but the beautiful pictures of campus and animals caught my eye. The application process was easier than I would have thought with an admissions counselor always by your side and just a phone call away. After touring the campus and meeting some of the staff I realized this could be an amazing opportunity and it was.
Starting Bel-Rea was intimidating at first but something someone with a good heart and strong commitment could easily handle. The classes prepare you for the field. There are multiple hands-on opportunities most places do not offer from mice all the way to horses, scrubbing in for spays, neuters and more. The program made training to become a tech in a clinical setting easier as you can compare what you see at work to school and vice versa.
The student affairs team including Jenn, Corey and many more was what made the program truly worth all the hard work you put in. They were always there to support you and give advice, even if it was just to flip through flashcards. Without a doubt I will miss them dearly and cannot thank them enough for helping me become the tech I am today.”
“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.”
“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
“Bel-Rea was not the first choice for me. I had plans to become a lawyer or start my career off in law enforcement. Hunting for colleges and putting in applications was stressful and not how anyone wants to spend their days after high school. I came across a Bel-Rea ad via Instagram of all places, but the beautiful pictures of campus and animals caught my eye. The application process was easier than I would have thought with an admissions counselor always by your side and just a phone call away. After touring the campus and meeting some of the staff I realized this could be an amazing opportunity and it was.
Starting Bel-Rea was intimidating at first but something someone with a good heart and strong commitment could easily handle. The classes prepare you for the field. There are multiple hands-on opportunities most places do not offer from mice all the way to horses, scrubbing in for spays, neuters and more. The program made training to become a tech in a clinical setting easier as you can compare what you see at work to school and vice versa.
The student affairs team including Jenn, Corey and many more was what made the program truly worth all the hard work you put in. They were always there to support you and give advice, even if it was just to flip through flashcards. Without a doubt I will miss them dearly and cannot thank them enough for helping me become the tech I am today.”
“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.”
“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
Our next start date:
Currently enrolling for: Summer 2023 - Start date: July 3rd, 2023. Please contact Bel-Rea’s admissions office for more enrollment information.
Bring Bel-Rea to Your Event
Want our staff to speak at your Denver Metro Area’s high school event (STEM, career fairs, club meetings, etc.)? Are you offering a college-transfer fair or animal-centric event? Please contact us at (303) 751-8700 for scheduling information.
Thank you for connecting with us at these recent events:
Denver Public Schools Career Fair, Jeffco Career Fair, CE at Bel-Rea (The New and Old Emerging World of Medical Cannabis), Denver National College Fair, Career Council Avid Fair, Boulder County Fair, 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
27
MAY
Pain vs Behavior - Saturday, May 27th from 9am - 12pm (MST) – Click here for details and information.
13
JUN
ER Crash Course - Tuesday, June 13th from 6pm - 9pm (MST) – Click here for details and information.
8
JUL
Cannabidiol (CBD) for Veterinary Patients – How It Works, What It’s For & Potential Downsides - Saturday, July 8th from 9am - 12pm (MST) – Click here for details and information.
Campus Alerts:
There are no alerts at this time
Need resources or have questions about campus security? Contact Stasi Bottinelli (Financial Aid Manager/ Title IX Coordinator) at bottinelli@belrea.edu or (303) 751-8700.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Bel-Rea does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, veteran or military status, or disability in any of its educational programs and activities. Bel-Rea does not discriminate in admission to, treatment in, access to, or employment in its educational programs or activities.