Veterinary Assistant

Renton Technical College ETPL
If you have a gentle touch and enjoy spending time with pets and other animals, you should consider a career as a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assistants work in animal clinics, hospitals, zoos, shelters, and in the field to take care of animals, under the supervision of a veterinarian or other specialists. Assistants are often the first point of contact in a veterinary office and they can make the experience less stressful for injured or sick animals and their caretakers. The Veterinary Assistant program prepares students to assist veterinarians with surgical and nursing care, laboratory procedures, administering medications and more. RTC's program is the only one in the state that is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and includes classroom theory, lab work, hands-on experience with animals, and internships in local veterinary clinics. Students will also apply basic math and practice technical reading and communications skills.

Financial information

Total tuition

$5,857.00

Total required fees

$0.00

Books and supplies

$0.00

Locations

Renton

Instructional methods

In-person Primary Location

Program details

12 Months

Length of training

Certificate

Award type

29

Credits

N/A

Clock Hours

Additional details

Award name

Certificate of Completion

Prerequisites

No Selection

Prerequisite courses

No

Other prerequisites

Minimum age: 18 years by the beginning of the fourth quarter. English Fluency (verbal and written). Upon invitation and acceptance to the Veterinary Assistant Program, students must provide confirmation of an account established with CastleBranch.com and pass a nationwide criminal background check (Crimes Against Persons list).

Program languages

English

Certification/license obtained as part of training program

N/A

Certification/license test preparation provided

N/A

Employment performance results

Program type

Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant

Completion rate

73%

Employment rate

67%

Typical (median) hourly earnings

$17.82

Typical (median) annual earnings

$33,334.00

Top industries for graduates

Program type

Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant

Professional, Scientific, Technical Services

50%

Other Industries

28%

Other Services

22%

Student characteristics

Enrollment
Number of students completing the program
27
Completion rate
73%
Average number of students who completed each year
27
Gender
Male
16%
Female
84%
Race
American Indian or Alaska Native
3%
Asian
8%
Black or African American
5%
Hispanic
16%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0%
White
54%
Multi-racial
11%
Other
3%
Age
Under 20
19%
20 to 29
68%
30 to 39
11%
40 to 49
0%
50 and over
3%
Prior education
No high school diploma/GED
9%
High school diploma/GED, but no college experience
49%
Some college experience, but no degree
31%
Certificate or AA
6%
BA or higher
6%