Veterinary Technology - What is Veterinary Technology

Veterinary Technology is the study of procedures used in the medical care of animals. Veterinary technicians are trained paraprofessionals working under the direction and supervision of veterinarians.

Bandaged Horse

Veterinary Technicians:

  • Nurse in a clinical setting
  • Induce and monitor anesthesia
  • Obtain radiographs and use other imaging techniques
  • Perform laboratory tests (blood counts, urinalysis, etc)
  • Assist with surgery
  • Educate clients in nutrition and animal husbandry

Career opportunities:

Girls working in the lab

Jobs as veterinary technicians are available in large, mixed and small animal veterinary practices. Job opportunities are also available in the fields of research, primate centers, zoos, regulatory medicine, veterinary product sales, and similar areas. A graduate can expect a starting salary in the range of $2,100 to $2,500 per month. Advancement in salary comes with practical experience.

Note that this program is not a pre-professional track to becoming a veterinarian. Students wishing to pursue the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree to become veterinarians should contact Dr. Hurtado for assistance in planning a two-year program of study that will tranfer to additional education.

Important Changes
There are important changes to the application requirements for 2013 applicants!

Veterinary Technology

vet-tech@pierce.ctc.edu
Office: (253) 964-6708

Salvador Hurtado, DVM
Program Director
253-964-6665
shurtado@pierce.ctc.edu

Markiva Contris, LVT, CCRP
Professor
253-964-6721
mcontris@pierce.ctc.edu