Veterinary Assistant

If you have a gentle touch and enjoy spending time with pets and other animals, you should consider a career as a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assistants work in animal clinics, hospitals, zoos, shelters, and in the field to take care of animals, under the supervision of a veterinarian or other specialists. Assistants are often the first point of contact in a veterinary office and they can make the experience less stressful for injured or sick animals and their caretakers. The Veterinary Assistant program prepares students to assist veterinarians with surgical and nursing care, laboratory procedures, administering medications and more. RTC's program is the only one in the state that is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and includes classroom theory, lab work, hands-on experience with animals, and internships in local veterinary clinics. Students will also apply basic math and practice technical reading and communications skills.

Program Map: Guide to program costs, careers, and classes.


Enrollment Point: Fall


Certificate of Completion
4 Quarters
29 Credits
Associate of Applied Science
N/A
N/A
AAS - Transfer
N/A
N/A
Bachelor of Applied Science
N/A
N/A

All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.

Median Salary
$31,100
Projected Growth
30%
Annual Job Openings
3,340

These amounts are based on median entry level wages, they are estimates and are not guarantees. For more information, visit careerinfo.net

Tuition

At Renton Technical College, tuition is affordable and competitive.

Financial Aid

Federal aid is available for most students to help pay for school. Fill out your FAFSA now to get started.

Scholarships

The RTC Foundation offers scholarships to help pay the costs of attending school.


All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.

Please see the online class schedule for day & time information.


Laura Roede, LVT


Entry Requirements

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Veterinary Assistant Program, a prospective student must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum age: 18 years by the beginning of the fourth quarter
  • English Fluency (verbal and written)

Upon invitation and acceptance to the Veterinary Assistant Program, students must provide confirmation of an account established with CastleBranch.com and pass a nationwide criminal background check (Crimes Against Persons list).

  • Castlebranch website
  • Package code: RX26
  • Cost: $63 (do not create an account prior to invitation and registration to the program)

Admission Recommendations

  • Counselor or instructor interview
  • (High School student or) High School Diploma/GED (or equivalent)

UPDATE: All healthcare students who have clinical rotations, externships and internships must follow the vaccination requirements of the healthcare institution where they will be working-i.e., must be fully vaccinated or have an exemption prior to their clinical rotation, externship or internship experience. Read the latest COVID-19 Allied Health Policy.


Course Information

Course # Course Title Credits
COL 101 College Success 2
VET 100 Veterinary Assisting I 3
VET 110 Veterinary Assisting I Lab 3
VET 104 Veterinary Assisting II 2
VET 114 Veterinary Assisting II Lab 3
VET 105 Veterinary Assisting III 2
VET 115 Veterinary Assisting III Lab 3
VET 106 Veterinary Pharmacology and Medical Dosage 3
VET 181 Human Relations/Workplace Skills 3
VET 193 Veterinary Assisting Practicum 1
VET 197 Veterinary Assisting Internship 4
  Total 29

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills to be able to function within the scope of practice of a Veterinary Assistant.
  • Maintain safety when working with humans and animals.
  • Perform as an integral member of an effective veterinary health care team while adhering to professional and ethical standards.
  • Show proficiency in the Essential Skills dictated by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
  • Effectively communicate with veterinary healthcare team members and clients.

Accreditation

Accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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