Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician - Veterinary Assistant
Attend the online session and learn more about our Nursing & Allied Health Programs
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.
Employment Information
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
79%1 / 95%3 BTC graduate placement rate
$35,506 starting annual wage2
$39,770 average annual wage2
$46,072 potential annual wage2
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
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 Technician-
Veterinary 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.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) v.6
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.
Having trouble scheduling your ATI TEAS assessment? More options are available! Email your advisor: ldoss@btc.edu
Evidence of High School graduation or equivalent submitted to BTC Admissions Department.
Students must be 18 years or older before beginning program core courses.
Early Program Course Requirements
Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) or higher in each course:
- English Composition 1 (ENGL& 101)
- Math in Society (MATH& 107) or any MATH course from the AAS-T alternative course list will be accepted.
- Interpersonal Communications (CMST& 210) or General Psychology (PSYC& 100)
- General Biology with Lab (BIOL& 160)
- Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM& 121) preferred, will accept other courses in the following fields: BIOL, CHEM, OCEA, ZOOL
- Intro to Veterinary Technology (VETT 100)
ONLY for students who are transferring prior credits to BTC: Official transcripts documenting prerequisite course completion must be submitted and evaluated before registration.
Physical Requirements
AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.
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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
What are My Next Steps?
Classes
Total Program Credits: 62
Quarter 1
VETT 101 Veterinary Nursing I 4 CR VETT 102 Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I 5 CR VETT 103 Veterinary Medical Terminology 3 CR VET 120 Medical Dosages and Calculations 3 CR VETT 201 Mentorship Lab I 2 CR Quarter 2
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 4 CR VETT 202 Mentorship Lab II 2 CR Pre-Program
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
Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Self-SupportProgram Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
- Care for animals in a manner that is safe for both animals and humans;
- Promote public health;
- Accept the responsibilities of his/her profession, to provide compassionate, competent, ethical care in a professional, conscientious manner;
- Pursue lifelong learning to advance his/her knowledge of veterinary care;
- Understand normal anatomy, physiology and behavior of health for the species studied;
- Understand and participate in the process of diagnosis, therapy and prevention of animal disease;
- Understand the profession of veterinary technician including: occupational safety, public health, client and colleague communication, ethics of animal welfare, and the human-animal bond;
- Provide critical thinking skills to reason through clinical situations and take appropriate action;
- Provide social interactive skills to facilitate excellent communication with clients and colleagues;
- Provide psychomotor skills to facilitate quality, efficient diagnostic and therapeutic interventions;
- Provide learning skills and tools to promote learning throughout career and lifetime.
Employment Outlook
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.
Faculty & Support
Lisa Dzyban
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
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!