The Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology
“I came to BR after graduating with aQuite BrightAnimal Studies
I came to BR after graduating with a Bachelors in animal science from a State University. I came here becasue i wanted to further my education. What I found was a dumbed down version of my previous education, a lot of busy work that felt like a waste of time. They dont give you much preparation time for actually studying. Combined with work and this school my life was consumed with memorization of material with no real grasp as to "why", or really understanding. Having worked in the feild for YEARS prior to attending the school, I could see how many students struggled to grasp simple concepts. I left BR with a 3.9 GPA, and several 4.0 semesters under my belt. But the main reason I left is that I found it almost impossible to continue going as the class times are very limiting, they dont take into consideration weather and travel for students, of which the majority commute. It eventually came down to making a descision, keep the job and healthcare I have, or sacrifice that healthcare and take months off of work to complete the program. Compared to my experience at a real college, this school lacks organization, flexability, and maturity. They need diverse class times, and they need to support thier students needs that are willing to pay and do well. But they dont. After all is said and done, I have better benefits and make more money now than I would if I would have stayed there.
view full review→Mar 05 2012
2nd Year Female -- Class 2011
Collaboration/Competitive: B, Education Quality: F
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“I am amazed at how much I've learnedQuite BrightAnimal Studies
I am amazed at how much I've learned in my first year at Bel-Rea - the classes are challenging, the faculty helpful, and there is a lot of free tutoring available from the TAs. I am excited to see what I will learn in my second year, in the more specialized classes.
It is a commuter campus, so there are not a lot of "social" activities, but that has been good for me - I needed to focus on school. I have made plenty of friends though.
I am looking at working internationally after, and have found a lot of opportunities for techs in Europe/the UK. There aren't a lot of countries that credential vet techs, but all seem to be happy to have you come and work there. But Bel-Rea's accreditation does cover any requirements for credentialing in the US, Canada, and the UK.
When I was researching schools, I discovered that Bel-Rea blew everyone else out of the water. Most programs have under 50 students, and because of that, a very limited number of faculty. I have enjoyed the variety of instructors at Bel-Rea.
It is on the pricier side of vet tech programs, but was not the most expensive program I looked at in Colorado or the US - it was average cost-wise. I do like that there are not a lot of additional costs - other than scrubs, some basic equipment like a stethoscope, and books - nothing out of the norm for college. I do have to park on the street sometime, but there is plenty of street parking around - I never have to walk far. My last school charged me over $200 each semester for parking that was much further away.
They have done a lot of renovation around campus since I first toured it - I really like studying in the new library and media center. I rarely have a problem finding a computer available and Rosemary has been super helpful with my research in the library.
I strongly recommend you volunteer on the side - Bel-Rea does offer a lot of labs and hands-on training, but because we all can't blood draw off of the same teaching animals (that would just be cruel), I have found that volunteering at a shelter has given me plenty of extra practice - I can even place an IV Cath on a small dog now without cringing and can easily restrain a feisty cat!
BE PREPARED TO WORK HARD! I get scared when I see some students not put in their best efforts - we are going to hold animals' lives in our hands when we graduate. Work your butt off so that you will be the best tech you can be!
view full review→Feb 17 2012
1st Year Female -- Class 2013
Education Quality: A+, Extracurricular Activities: C+
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“Bel-Rea is a complete rip off! First ofQuite BrightAnimal Studies
Bel-Rea is a complete rip off! First of all, you are over paying for a school that is not accredited. They claim to be, but only as a vet tech school. Which means if you ever go to any other school, even a community college NONE of your credits will transfer. They also have a policy if you ever decide not to go there anymore you will have to pay for the classes you have not yet completed in the program. You pretty much sign your life and all of your income over to them for the next two years. So where is all this money going? Not the facility. It is a very small, old and unkept facility. The bathrooms on campus as well as most of the classrooms are disgusting. This place is a total waste of time and money.
view full review→Oct 17 2011
1st Year Female -- Class 2013
Surrounding City: D+, Education Quality: F
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