Program Description
The Veterinary Technician program prepares students for employment as a Veterinary Technician with expanded duties allowed by Washington State law. This new program will be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA); allowing graduated students to take the National Veterinary Technician test. Clinical experience is provided under the supervision of veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians at a variety of regional animal care offices and facilities.
The individual that successfully completes this program will have the knowledge base, critical thinking and technical skills to become a licensed Veterinary Technician upon completing the state licensing requirements. The training of the veterinary technician will be divided into three concept stages:
1) Understanding normal anatomy, physiology and behavior of health for the species studied
2) Understanding and participating in the process of diagnosis, therapy and prevention of animal disease
3) Understanding the profession of Veterinary Technician including: occupational safety, public health, client and colleague communication, ethics of animal welfare, and the human-animal bond.
Jobs & Careers
Potential Positions, Employment Outlook, Typical Tasks ... (more)
Program Costs
Tuition, Fees, Material and Supply costs ... (more)
Degree & Certificate Requirements
Courses Listed Alphabetically | Typical Student Schedule
The Veterinary Technology program at Bellingham Technical College will be offered in a unique way in that an early out certificate option as a Veterinary Assistant. All courses will be taught using a “hybrid” format in both the Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Assistant, in which the student will do a significant portion of the lecture/didactic material through a web-based medium.
Full-Time Program: (6 quarters)
The full-time program will normally be scheduled Monday through Thursday during the hours of 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. After the first two quarters, students who opt out with a certificate in Veterinary Assisting will then need to enroll in VET 117, Clinical Internship.
Part-time Program: (9 quarters)
Students who wish to enroll in the part-time, evening program will normally be scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the first three quarters, with alternating days, the following 6 quarters. The first 3 quarters of the PT program, plus VET 117, taken during the summer, qualify the student to earn a certificate in Veterinary Assisting. For those continuing with the part-time program, they need to have been accepted in Veterinary Technology, and not Veterinary Assistant due to pre-requisite requirements.
* When required lab components require the students to be at on off-site Veterinary Facility, the schedule is subject to change to other days and times of the week, depending on availability.
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Students may apply for an Associate in Applied Science degree an Associate in Applied Science - Transfer degree upon completion and verification of all requirementsand standards.
Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average with no course below C (2.0) to earn a degree or certificate.
For more information see Requirements and Standards and Application Procedures
Demonstrate current veterinary techniques in areas such as animal husbandry, necropsy and anesthesia, the use and application of medicines and materials, and safety and health standards;
Provide support for companion animal, equine, and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities;
Comprehend basic medical terminology and science and demonstrate clinical application skills. Ability to integrate skills such as nursing, surgical, pharmacological, dental, and imaging knowledge and skills in order to care for live animals;
Demonstrate cognitive retention of medical terminology, theory and science, including anatomy and physiology, clinical pathology and microbiology;
Demonstrate positive work ethics, professionalism and understanding of team health care delivery;
Demonstrate a foundation in professionalism through participation in professional organizations and activities and continuing education opportunities;
Incorporate into practice professional laws, regulations and policies established by the licensing state and regulatory agencies;
Promote humane animal care and management through counseling owners to reduce health risks and provide community veterinary health services in a variety of settings;
Demonstrate understanding of veterinary office management and economics. Understanding of varying roles and organizational structures present in veterinary practice; and
Provide preventive and therapeutic services, including nutritive, nursing and dental care, that promote animal health according to the needs of the patient.
Application & Registration
To be eligible for admission to the Bellingham Technical College Veterinary Technician program, applicants must meet college admission requirements
Before you will be eligible for admission you must submit a packet containing all of the following items:
1) Degree/Certificate Program Admissions Application identifying that you want to start in Fall 2008 for the Part-Time program or Winter 2009 and the $45.00 application fee.
2) The Criminal Disclosure Questionnaire and Criminal Background Inquiry verifying that you do not have a criminal history of child or adult abuse, financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, or other crimes against persons as defined in RCW 43.43.830 and RCW 43.43.840.
3) Evidence of high school graduation or its equivalent*. Acceptable documents include a copy of high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED certificate. (*NOTE: exception is made for students entering the Veterinary Assistant Program, but a HS diploma or GED must be obtained prior to continuing in the Veterinary Technology Program).
4) Photocopy of Washington State Driver’s License (must be clear and readable) as student must be a minimum 18 years of age when they graduate.
5) Official transcripts containing evidence of the four prerequisite courses and a completed Approval of Prerequisites Request Form. Proof of current enrollment in courses is accepted, as long as transcript is sent to Admissions prior to the start of the Veterinary Technician Program.
English Composition (ENG 101) 5 credits or equivalent (Minimum 2.0 GPA)
Math in Society (Math& 107) or Pre-Calculus (Math& 141) 5 credits or equivalent within the last 5 years or departmental approval (Minimum 2.0 GPA)
General Psychology (PSY 101) 5 credits, or General Sociology 5 credits or equivalent. (Minimum 2.0 GPA)
Transfer Level Humanities or Science 5 credits or equivalent. (Minimum 2.0 GPA)
6) Students must submit a test obtained within the past year with negative result, (photocopies accepted)
Complete a TB skin test
Complete a urine analysis for prohibited substance
Immunization records or evidence of past immunity through transmission
Recommend for completion the HBV (Hepatitis B Vaccine series) if not done previously.
For more information see Admissions
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