Attend the online session and learn about our Nursing & Allied Health Programs, and about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC.
Turn your love of animals into a satisfying career! BTC’s Veterinary Assistant Certificate program is ideal if you have an aptitude for math and science, and are interested in being a valuable part of the veterinary care team. You’ll work with animals and people, in a job that is different every day.
With BTC’s high quality education and hands-on training, you’ll gain the valuable skills needed now by veterinary hospitals, surgery centers, specialty care providers, zoos, and wildlife facilities.
Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Veterinary Technician curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
$26,915 starting annual wage
$30,056 average annual wage
$34,715 potential annual wage
Students interested in the Veterinary Technician Program are encouraged to meet with the Program Navigator Laura Doss ldoss@btc.edu. The student navigator will help you plan a course of study.
Admission requirements for Veterinary Assistant are the same for Veterinary TechnicianVeterinary Assistant FAQ
The program will be admitting new students in Fall Quarter 2021.
Program-ready students are invited to register for Veterinary Assistant courses. Students who have completed ALL prerequisite requirements before the start of first quarter core courses will be allowed entry based on the order in which they register.
There is no separate admission process or application for this program.
Applicants must score at the "BASIC" level or higher in each of the four areas on one transcript. See the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills handout for more information about this entrance assessment.
Evidence of High School graduation or equivalent submitted to BTC Admissions Department.
Students must be 18 years or older before beginning program core courses.
Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) or higher in each course:
ONLY for students who are transferring prior credits to BTC: Official transcripts documenting prerequisite course completion must be submitted and evaluated before registration.
AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.
This program requires a criminal history background check prior to attending the clinic practicum. Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet
Veterinary Technician Informed Acknowledgment and Consent to Hazards and Risks
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VETT 101 | Veterinary Nursing I | 5 CR |
VETT 102 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I | 6 CR |
VETT 103 | Veterinary Medical Terminology | 3 CR |
VET 120 | Medical Dosages and Calculations | 4 CR |
VETT 201 | Mentorship Lab I | 3 CR |
VETT 104 | Veterinary Nutrition I | 3 CR |
VETT 105 | Learning for a Lifetime | 2 CR |
VETT 106 | Microbiology, Virology, & Mycology | 3 CR |
VETT 107 | Small Animal Parasitology | 4 CR |
VETT 108 | Radiology I | 5 CR |
VETT 202 | Mentorship Lab II | 3 CR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
MATH& 107 | Math in Society | 5 CR |
BIOL& 160 | General Biology with Lab | 5 CR |
CHEM& 121 | Intro to Chemistry | 5 CR |
PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 CR |
OR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communications | 5 CR |
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
Veterinary technicians typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a veterinarian, performing various medical tests in a laboratory setting along with treating medical conditions and diseases in animals.
They may work in research facilities, where they may administer medications orally or topically, prepare samples for laboratory examinations, and record information on an animal’s genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. They may also work with other scientists in medical-related fields such as gene therapy and cloning. Other opportunities exist in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management, education, or pharmaceutical sales.
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
Dr. Dzyban is a veterinarian that is board certified in small animal internal medicine. She has fifteen years clinical experience in general and specialty small animal practice and four years experience as an instructor and specialist consultant. As a veterinary internist, she is adept in ultrasound, endoscopy, parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy techniques. Publications include "Peritoneal Dialysis" in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy, "Peritoneal Dialysis" in the Journal of Emergency & Critical Care, "Cardiac Tamponade in Cavia Porcellus" in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, and "Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis" in the Journal of Veterinary Radiologists. She is a recipient of the Sue Tidball Award for Creative Humanity and an instructor for the American Red Cross. One of her life goals is to inspire excellence in animal care in veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal owners.
Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!
Madison Castrejon started as Laboratory Technician for Bellingham Technical College’s Veterinary Technician Program in 2017. She had 5 years of experience in the veterinary industry as an LVT prior to becoming employed at BTC. Madison received her veterinary technician training at Bellingham Technical College, and became a licensed LVT in 2012. She worked for small animal practices in Whatcom County upon graduation. Madison served as a head tech of a local practice for the 4 years preceding her employment at BTC. Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, cooking, gardening, taking camping trips with her husband, and serving as “staff” to her multiple pets who run the household.