Commited to Excellence in Veterinary Education
About APEX

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive education in veterinary medicine that combines rigorous academic training with practical skills development. We are committed to preparing students for diverse and rewarding careers in animal healthcare through innovative teaching methods, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive learning environment.

Our vision is to be a leader in veterinary education, renowned for producing highly skilled professionals who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the veterinary field. We aspire to foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and compassionate care, driving a positive change in animal health and welfare worldwide.

Our Values

At our APEX, our core values shape everything we do, from fostering leadership to promoting innovation, service, and knowledge. These principles guide our commitment to excellence in education, inspiring students, faculty, and veterinary professionals to continuously grow and excel in their fields.

Together, we strive to create a dynamic and supportive environment that empowers individuals to make a lasting impact in the veterinary industry.

Leadership

We foster the development of future leaders by motivating the supporting students, faculty, and veterinary professionals nationwide. We establish challenging performance standards and encourage others to achieve by creating enthusiasm, a sense of empowerment, and a desire to excel.

Innovation

We continuously generate new ideas, going beyond the status quo, and recognize the need for new or modified approaches to move the right knowledge and skills into the minds and hands of students and veterinary professionals.

Service

We provide a quality educational experience through ethical behavior and superior service. We share our experiences and perspectives in a positive manner to create an environment of synergy and positivity, foster a commitment to quality, and help promote a spirit of community.

Knowledge

We promote personal growth and professional development in students, faculty, and other veterinary professionals. Our staff is challenged with maintaining their individual knowledge and skill levels for both modern clinical standards as well as the newest innovations in veterinary medicine and management.

Our Faculty & Staff

Ramona Crane, BA, LVT, CVT

Ramona holds degrees in History and Political Science from UC Berkeley and is a licensed Veterinary Technician in Nevada and Colorado. She has extensive experience in clinical education, private practice, and volunteering for feral cat clinics. Ramona has served on the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and as Treasurer for the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians. She was also a finalist for Petplan’s 2017 Veterinary Technician of the Year award.
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Stephen Crane, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS, Emeritus

Dr. Crane, a UC Davis graduate and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, has a career spanning private practice, academia, and pet food research. He served as Executive Director of the Western Veterinary Conference for 11 years. At Apex CVT, he oversees medical procedures and leads courses in pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical skills, ensuring top patient care standards.
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Kim Spelts, BS, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Ms. Spelts, a University of Colorado, Boulder graduate in Aerospace Engineering, began her career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory before transitioning to veterinary technology. Certified in 1999, she specialized in emergency medicine and anesthesia. In 2004, she became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia. Kim is the Founder and CEO of PEAK Veterinary Anesthesia Services and a respected author, speaker, and Past President of the AVTAA.
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Vanessa Gemignani

Vanessa Gemignani, a Colorado Springs native, earned her degree in English with a minor in Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University of Denver. A former collegiate volleyball player, she now serves as the assistant volleyball coach at Colorado College. Vanessa has experience teaching 5th and 2nd grade, tutoring in reading and writing, as well as editing and blogging. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping.
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Our differentiators

What Makes Apex College of Veterinary Technology Different?

Education Without Student Debt

Our students can earn scholarships just for doing well in their classes. We reward students for their hard work and keep great students through our scholarship programs. Our graduates' paychecks don't need to go to student loans.

Multiple Programs Offered

We offer three programs so that our students can choose the right fit for them. We never require that you take one program before you can qualify for another.

Small Class Sizes

Class sizes are maintained at a maximum of 12 students to each instructor. This allows customization of the learning experience to individual students and plenty of interaction and practical time.

Continuing Education Suppport

Whether you graduate from one of our programs or from another school, we are the local leader in continuing education options for all levels of veterinary professional.

Our Educational Offering

Our educational offerings are designed to provide hands-on, practical experience combined with cutting-edge theory, ensuring that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges in their field.

All Faculty Hold Credentials

We require that all of our faculty have the appropriate credentials for their field and that they maintain those credentials. As a school, we require our faculty to exceed the continuing education requirements for their credential.

Strict Animal Care Standards

We work in the veterinary profession with a love and respect for our animal friends. Our school never treats an animal as only a "learning opportunity". We work to provide an incredible standard of care to our patient animals. Our students learn through practicing quality care.

Immense and Varied Experience in the Field

Together, our faculty boasts over 90 years of clinical experience as veterinary technicians, specialists, and doctors.

100% of Faculty are Published Authors

All of our faculty have contributed to industry publications including textbooks, guidelines, and articles.

Our Faculty Standards

Our faculty standards emphasize exceptional expertise, continuous professional development, and a commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment for all students.

Green Campus

We have an Environmental Committee open to students, faculty, and the community to help us maintain a more positive relationship with the environment. So far the Environmental Committee has limited paper use, added recylcing services, and planted bee and butterfly friendly gardens.

A City Linked to Nature

Colorado Springs is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in the shadow of America's Mountain, Pikes Peak. There are 9,000 acres of parks, 5,000 acres of open space, 150 miles of trails, and 47 dog parks in our city.

CO Springs is Highly Ranked

Our location has been ranked by a number of publications as being the best place to live. Outside Magazine called us the #1 "Best Town". Men's Health called us the #1 "Best City for Dogs". Forbes called us #1 "America's Most Pet-Friendly City". Women's Health called us the #2 "Best Place to Live for Women".

We are Honored to Help an Amazing Community

Our students and faculty donate veterinary services to our local community and non-profits including the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, the Humane Society of Fremont County, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Denver Zoo, Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and the Colorado Springs Homeless Shelter.

Our Location

Our location offers a vibrant and accessible setting, providing students with an enriching environment that enhances their educational experience and connects them with a dynamic community.

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