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.
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
79%1 BTC graduate placement rate (Employment Security Department- WA and OR only)
95%3 BTC in-field graduate placement rate (faculty-tracked, national)
$35,506 starting annual wage2
$39,770 average annual wage2
$46,072 potential annual wage2
Students interested in the Veterinary Technician program should apply to the college and contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with getting started at BTC. A college application and your score on assessment testing and/or previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence.
Admission requirements for Veterinary Assistant are the same for Veterinary Technician
Attend an online Veterinary Technician Info Session on May 12, 2022 and learn about our Veterinary Technician program, about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC.
This program typically admits students into first quarter core courses in the fall. Registration for Fall Quarter starts halfway through Spring Quarter. We will be accepting new students in the Fall of 2023.
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.
Veterinary Assistant FAQ
There is no separate admission process or application for this program.
Students will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. To be considered fully vaccinated, two weeks must have passed since the date of the second dose or first dose for the one-dose vaccine. The program’s clinical partner agencies will not accept any exemption to full COVID-19 vaccination.
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.
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
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 |
VETT 100 | Into to Veterinary Technology | 2 CR |
VET 120 | Medical Dosages and Calculations | 4 CR |
VETT 101 | Veterinary Nursing I | 5 CR |
VETT 102 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I | 6 CR |
VETT 103 | Veterinary Medical Terminology | 3 CR |
VETT 201 | Mentorship Lab I | 3 CR |
VETT 104 | Veterinary Nutrition I | 3 CR |
VETT 106 | Microbiology, Virology, & Mycology | 4 CR |
VETT 107 | Small Animal Parasitology | 3 CR |
VETT 108 | Radiology I | 6 CR |
VETT 109 | Clinical Laboratory Sciences | 5 CR |
VETT 202 | Mentorship Lab II | 3 CR |
VETT 105 | Learning for a Lifetime | 3 CR |
VETT 110 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 CR |
VETT 111 | Small Animal Medicine I | 4 CR |
VETT 112 | Veterinary Nursing II (Surgical) | 5 CR |
VETT 113 | Immunology & Pharmacology I | 6 CR |
VETT 114 | Dentistry | 4 CR |
VETT 203 | Mentorship Lab III | 3 CR |
VETT 115 | Radiology II | 5 CR |
CTE 108 | Job Skills | 1 CR |
VETT 118 | Small Animal Medicine II | 3 CR |
VETT 119 | Advanced Clinical Lab Sciences | 4 CR |
VETT 120 | Anesthesia | 5 CR |
VETT 121 | Exotic Animal Medicine | 3 CR |
VETT 125 | Humanity of Veterinary Medicine | 3 CR |
VETT 204 | Mentorship Lab IV | 3 CR |
VETT 116 | Large Animal Medicine | 3 CR |
VETT 117 | Veterinary Nursing III (Large Animal) | 5 CR |
VETT 122 | Veterinary Nutrition II | 2 CR |
VETT 123 | Veterinary Nursing IV (Critical Care) | 5 CR |
VETT 124 | Specialty Medicine | 3 CR |
VETT 126 | Pharmacology II | 3 CR |
VETT 205 | Mentorship Lab V | 3 CR |
VETT 130 | Veterinary Clinical Work Experience | 10 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!