Veterinary Technology - Home

Pierce College's Veterinary Technology program is designed to give students the comprehensive training necessary to successfully complete national and state certification requirements to become a licensed veterinary technician. This intensive program provides training in records keeping, surgical assistance, reception, radiology, and clinical laboratory work. Graduates will have proficiency in all tasks critical to the nursing care of a variety of large and small animals, laboratory animals, and exotic animal species.

Register today
The Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College is offered in a specific sequence, so students may only enter in the fall. All application materials must be received by April 16 for the next fall academic cycle.

Program length
Pierce College's Veterinary Technology program is a two-year, six-quarter program (there are no classes in the summers).

Prerequisites
All program candidates must first complete the following college-level courses and have a minimum 2.0 GPA in each:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Intermediate algebra
  • English 101
  • Medical terminology (min. 3 credits)

In addition, candidates must submit:

  • A Pierce College Admissions Form ($25 application fee)
  • An Veterinary Technology Application ($40 application fee)
  • Health Occupations Basic Evaluation Test (HOBET) scores
  • A Recommendation/Reference Form
  • Proof of veterinary hospital observation experience

See application materials for additional details on program requirements. Completed applications and prerequisite courses must be completed before April 16, 2012 for program consideration.

Special program notes
Many laboratory sessions included in the Veterinary Technology training program require lifting, bending, and restraining animals. This is a physically demanding and necessary part of the curriculum. If you have any physical limitations that would prevent you from doing this work, you must schedule an appointment with the Program Director prior to submitting your application.

Employment possibilities
Jobs as veterinary technicians are available in large, mixed, and small animal veterinary practices, as well as in research facilities, primate centers, and zoos. Careers are also available in the fields of regulatory medicine, veterinary product sales, and similar areas.

Veterinary Technology

Contact Us
Office: (253) 964-6708

Salvador Hurtado
Program Director (FS)
(253) 964-6665

Markiva Contris
Veterinary Technology Instructor (FS)
(253) 964-6721