Veterinary Assistant Certificate
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice, please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To check out which materials are needed for your courses click this bookstore link Links to an external site. and enter the course information.
General Overview
When can I start? Fall (September)
How long is the program? 4 quarters (12 months) with 29 total credits
When do classes meet? online with labs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 12 and 3 p.m. or 5 and 8 p.m.
You learn how to support veterinarians in all aspects of animal care at animal hospitals, clinics, shelters, laboratories, zoos, and parks. This program gives you hands-on practice as you explore nutrition, disinfection, examinations, medications, and laboratory procedures. The RTC Veterinary Assistant program is accredited nationally by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA Links to an external site.).
You can learn more about the Veterinary Assistant program in our $25 class CCP 045 Bridge to Allied Health and Human Services.
You must be 18 years old by the beginning of the fourth quarter so you can complete your internship.
What does a veterinarian assistant do?
What is the average salary?
$37,060 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most veterinary assistants in King County earn at least $30,570. Some jobs may be listed as "laboratory animal caretakers."
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Veterinary Assistant.
Overall Materials Needed:
- CastleBranch account for background check ($63)
- One textbook used for the entire program ($90)
- Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers in the RTC Library or Learning Resource Center)
- RTC uniform tops (in grape) ($60)
- Notebook, highlighters, pens, and pencils ($25)
- Malpractice and liability insurance ($15.72 per year)
Minimum GPA or grades to graduate
You need to earn a 2.0 in each class to complete your Veterinary Assistant certificate.
Materials Warning
Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!
Quarter 1 Classes
Description: You learn about medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, dissection, beginning animal restraint, and other related topics.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| VET 100 | Veterinary Assisting I | YES | 3 |
| VET 110 | Veterinary Assisting I Lab | NO | 3 |
| VET 193 | Veterinary Assisting Practicum | NO | 1 |
| Tuition and Fees Estimated Total: $1,445 |
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Quarter 2 Classes
Description: You will continue learning medical terminology and restraint techniques, and you also start studying laboratory procedures, parasitology, hematology, microbiology, disinfection, and nutrition. Finally, you learn about different animal medications and dosage calculations.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| VET 104 | Veterinary Assisting II | NO | 2 |
| VET 114 | Veterinary Assisting II Lab | NO | 3 |
| VET 106 | Veterinary Pharmacology and Medical Dosage | NO | 3 |
| Tuition and Fees Estimated Total: $1,385 |
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Quarter 3 Classes
Description: You explore surgical preparation, instrument identification and care, anesthesia, disinfection, radiology, dentistry, nursing care, and alternative therapies.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| VET 105 | Veterinary Assisting III | NO | 2 |
| VET 115 | Veterinary Assisting III Lab | NO | 3 |
| VET 181 | Human Relations/Workplace Skills | NO | 3 |
| Tuition and Fees Estimated Total: $1,310 | |||
Quarter 4 Classes
Description: You will work with a veterinary facility, observing and participating in medical treatments, during an internship of 132 hours.
It's time to apply for your certificate! This quarter you will receive your Veterinary Assistant certificate.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| VET 197 | Veterinary Assisting Internship | NO | 4 |
| Tuition and Fees Estimated Total: $672 | |||
Grand Total Estimate for Your Veterinary Assistant Certificate: $5,066
Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!