Program Description
The Veterinary Assistant program prepares students to work as veterinary assistants in a variety of settings including animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, zoos, and animal parks. The veterinarian assistant provides basic care, performs laboratory procedures and assists in the veterinary clinic with other functions. The program includes classroom theory, laboratory, and internship experience in local veterinary clinics. Students receive hands-on experience with animals. Program content requires the application of basic math, technical reading, and communication skills.
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Program Costs
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Degree & Certificate Requirements
Courses Listed Alphabetically | Typical Student Schedule
The program is three quarters in length. VET 101-107 must be taken in sequence. Students attend class sessions twice per week for VET 101, 105, and 107. In the fall quarter, students will also need to be enrolled in VET 120 (Veterinary Math), as this will be the only time it will be offered during the program. Students must also complete both VET 115 (Practicum) and VET 117 (Internship). These are taken during the second and third quarters in addition to the Applied Principles series. PSY 111, Interpersonal & Organizational Psychology, is to be taken prior to the completion of the program. This should be done concurrently or prior to entering VET 117 (Internship).
VET 115 (Practicum) will be scheduled one additional evening per week for a portion of time, and the remainder of VET 115 will be arranged as field trips/experience with the instructor.
VET 117 (Internship) is a 54 hour time requirement in an approved clinic arranged by the instructor according to the availability and scheduling needs of the clinic placement.
Both VET 115 and 117 are taken by the student, but on alternate quarters per instructor assignment.
VET 120 is a short math course that will specifically deal with dosage calculations in the practice of veterinary medicine. It will be offered one afternoon and evening per week during the fall quarter only.
PSY 111 is offered at various times every quarter. Although most commonly offered during daytime hours, this schedule can vary.
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Students may apply for a certificate upon completion and verification of all requirements and standards.
For more information see Requirements and Standards and Application Procedures
Graduates will be able to provide basic and nursing animal care, perform laboratory procedures used in a veterinarian clinic, assist the veterinarian in all aspects of animal care, including surgical procedures in clinics, as well as field settings.
Application & Registration
Students may enroll in the Veterinary Assistant program at the start of the fall quarter. Admission is offered on a space available basis. This is a part-time program.
To be eligible for admission to the Bellingham Technical College Veterinary Assistant program, applicants must meet college admission requirements and submit additional materials, including a completed Criminal History Background Check verifying that there is not a history of child or adult abuse, financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, or other crimes against persons as defined in RCW 43.43.
For more information see Admissions
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