Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Washington
Veterinary technology is a fast-growing field nationwide, and the state of Washington is no exception. Between 2012 and 2022, jobs in veterinary technology were projected to grow by 27.5 percent in Washington, only slightly slower than the projected national growth rate of 29.5 percent for this field. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The median salary for veterinary technicians in Washington is $34,900 per year. This is somewhat higher than the median salary for vet techs nationwide, which is $32,350. In addition, the highest-paid veterinary technicians in Washington may earn as much as $44,580, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in Washington must be licensed by the state to practice. Licenses are issued to qualified candidates through the Washington State Department of Health. To qualify for licensure, candidates must first complete a veterinary technician program that has been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Next, candidates must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The final step to qualify for a license is the passage of the Washington state exam, which tests each candidate’s knowledge of Washington state law as it relates to veterinary practice.
Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
The Veterinary Technician National Exam is a computer-based multiple-choice exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of veterinary medical theory, practice, and application. The VTNE consists of 170 questions, which must be answered within three hours. Candidates must pass this test with a score of at least 70 percent to be eligible for a license in Washington.
Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program
Full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Clinical externships through a private practice near your home or Penn Foster College’s partner VCA Animal Hospitals. Gain hands-on experience alongside licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs
There are four veterinary technician programs in Washington with full accreditation from the AVMA and one that currently has initial accreditation. The fully credited programs are Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood, Pima Medical Institute-Seattle, Pima Medical Institute-Renton, and Yakima Valley Community College in Yakima. The program that currently has initial accreditation is Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham. The Pierce College program culminates in an associate in veterinary technology degree, while completion of any of the other programs will earn students an associate of applied science degree.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Washington
There were 1,780 veterinary technicians employed in Washington state as of 2012, and that number is projected to grow to 2,270 by 2022. Washington vet techs work primarily with small animals in facilities such as animal hospitals, animal shelters, and research laboratories. Some of the facilities in need of licensed vet techs include:
- VCA Bellevue Veterinary Hospital, Bellevue
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle
- Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic, Mercer Island
- BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Seattle
- Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, Snohomish
Professional Organizations
The leading professional organization for veterinary technicians in this state is the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians (WSAVT). Vet techs in Washington are also eligible to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Veterinary Technician Schools in Washington
- Bellingham, WA
- Longview, WA
- Tacoma, WA Metropolitan Division
- Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA
- Yakima, WA
Bellingham, WA Area
Bellingham Technical College
3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, Washington 98225-1599
Veterinary Technician – Certificate Program, Veterinary Technician – Associate Program
Bellingham Technical College offers various Certificate program options in Veterinary Technology a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Bellingham. Most of the school’s 2,301 students are in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Fees for tuition for in-state students are about $3,389 and for students from other states likely to be about $8,728 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,080, although this varies from program to program.
Longview, WA Area
Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple Street, Longview, Washington 98632-0310
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Lower Columbia College is taught at their campus in the city of Longview, WA. This public college has about 3,208 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly $4,131 and for out-of-state students around $4,644 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,155, depending on the program.
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Area
Skagit Valley College
2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, Washington 98273
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Skagit Valley College’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is based at its campus in the city of Mount Vernon. This public college has approximately 4,993 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $4,200 and for out-of-state students in the order of $4,700 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,200, depending on the program chosen.
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division Area
Pima Medical Institute-Renton
555 South Renton Village Pl-Ste 400, Renton, Washington 98057
Veterinary Technician – Associate Program, Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Pima Medical Institute offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their Renton campus in the city of Renton, WA. The majority of the school’s 777 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are usually around $12,176 annually. Study materials can cost around $743. Typically, the program is completed in 8 months.
Pima Medical Institute-Seattle
9709 Third Ave NE Suite 400, Seattle, Washington 98115
Veterinary Technician – Associate Program, Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Pima Medical Institute offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are based at their Seattle campus in the city of Seattle, WA. Most of the school’s 760 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are in the order of $18,843 per year. Study materials can cost around $1,824. Usually, the program is completed in 20 months.
Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth St, Renton, Washington 98056-4123
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Renton Technical College can be taken at their campus in the city of Renton, Washington. This public college has about 3,359 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Tuition fees are around $4,836 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,050, depending on the program chosen.
Tacoma, WA Metropolitan Division Area
Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom
9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood, Washington 98498-1999
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Pierce College is taught at their Fort Steilacoom campus in the city of Lakewood. The majority of the school’s 5,927 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Fees for tuition for in-state students are generally around $3,643 and for out-of-state students approximately $8,981 annually. Learning materials may cost around $1,050, although this will vary with the program.
Yakima, WA Area
Yakima Valley Community College
South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, Washington 98907-2520
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Yakima Valley Community College is taught at their campus in the city of Yakima, Washington. This public college has a region of 3,950 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $4,225 and for out-of-state students in the order of $4,626 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,050, depending on the program.
* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.
Other Options
Washington residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Idaho, Oregon, and California.