Program Details 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 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).

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 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?

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.

Quarter 1 Course Information
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

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.

Quarter 2 Course Information
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

Quarter 3 Classes

Description: You explore surgical preparation, instrument identification and care, anesthesia, disinfection, radiology, dentistry, nursing care, and alternative therapies.

Quarter 3 Course Information
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.

Quarter 4 Course Information
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

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