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veterinary technician students outside with dogs on leashes

Program Highlights

Veterinary Technology is the study of procedures used in the medical care of animals. The primary purpose of this program is to prepare students to be veterinary technicians who work under the supervision of veterinarians.

Also see "What is Veterinary Technology" for more information about this field.

Educational Opportunities

The classes and laboratory experience cover a broad range of topics, from record keeping and receptionist work to surgical assistance, radiology and clinical laboratory tests. The successful student will gain proficiency in both theory and technical tasks associated with the nursing care of a variety of large, small, laboratory and exotic animal species.

Graduation from this program should provide the student with basic information and associate degree necessary to successfully complete the National and State Board examinations and become a licensed veterinary technician in Washington State.

See below for a partial curriculum listing.

Accreditation

The Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College has been approved by the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. We are also associated with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians.

Veteran Approved

This course of study is approved as a veterans' training program.

Curriculum

The Veterinary Technology program is a full-time course that requires 21 months to complete. Classes start in September and run through June (see the district academic calendar for specific dates) with a break in July and August.

Student Handbooks are issued to all admitted students with more details about the program, including a complete curriculum, insurance requirements and program procedures.

Classes include:

  • Introduction to Veterinary Technology
  • Animal Nursing
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Vet Clinical Pathology and Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Vet Hospital and Office Procedures
  • Anesthesiology
  • Radiology
  • Animal Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Hematology
  • Vet Clinical Laboratory Principles
  • Surgical Nursing
  • Medical Dosage
  • Large Animal Nursing
  • Applied Behavior Techniques
  • Emergency and Critical Care
  • Nutrition and Complimentary Therapies