Discover the best veterinary schools in Washington State in 2023. Explore the top-rated institutions offering comprehensive veterinary programs and hands-on training at the best vet schools in Washington State. Prepare for a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.
To be eligible to practice as a veterinarian in Washington, D.C., you must graduate from one of the best vet schools in Washington State.Â
Beginner veterinarians in Washington State can no longer obtain a license based on their experience but must complete an approved program.
Students interested in earning a degree in veterinary science in Washington can choose from various career paths with competitive advantage and compensation.
Table of Contents
What Do Veterinarians Do in Washington?
Veterinarians monitor animals, assess physical ailments, and make treatment plans. They can be employed at a local animal hospital or clinic, although many veterinarians open private practices to be their supervisors.
Many veterinary positions in Washington require students to obtain at least a master’s degree to obtain a postgraduate license. Of course, students must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science.
With a lot of agriculture in Washington state and related livestock, it’s no wonder veterinarians are in demand. Seattle’s subway area has more pets than children, and local animal hospitals have set up shops across the city.
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What is the Requirement for Veterinary Technician in Washington?
Veterinarians in Washington must be state-licensed to practice. Licenses are issued to qualified applicants through the Washington Department of Health.
To get a license, applicants must complete the Veterinary Technician Program, approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Applicants must then pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE) conducted by the American Association of Veterinary Councils.
The final step in obtaining a license is to take the Washington State Exam, which tests each candidate’s knowledge of Washington State veterinary law.
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How Many Accredited Vet Schools are in Washington State?
In Washington, there are four programs for veterinary technicians with full accreditation from AVMA and one with initial accreditation.Â
Full-time programs include Pierce College at Fort Steylakum in Lakewood, Pima Medical Institute in Seattle, Pima Medical Institute – Renton, and Yakima Valley Public College in Yakima.
The program currently has initial accreditation is the Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham.Â
The Pierce College program culminates in a law degree in veterinary technology, and completing any other program will bring students a law degree in applied sciences.
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How Much Does Vet School Cost in Washington State?
The costs associated with a veterinary technician vary from school to school. Every veterinary college in Washington has information about student assistance.
In addition, you can discuss your specific financial needs and your coursework with your student counselor.
The answer depends on your residence status, based on the information you provided in your application.
Official, updated information about your residence (including all forms and requirements required to confirm or change your residence) can be found on the Records and Registration page.
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Best Vet Schools in Washington State
#1. Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham College of Technology, located in a picturesque northwestern corner of the state, is fully accredited by the AVMA for the Association of Applied Sciences (AAS) program.
The college also offers a veterinary assistant certificate program. These programs provide students with hands-on training and high-quality education, helping them gain valuable knowledge and skills needed by surgical centers, veterinary hospitals, zoos, wildlife, and specialized care providers.
The AAS-T program consists of 145 credits, while the certificate requires the completion of 62 credits. Courses include veterinary care; therapeutic dosages and calculations; veterinary anatomy and physiology; veterinary nutrition; laboratory sciences; and medical terminology.
Students complete several laboratory and mentoring laboratory courses. Between 2018 and 2021, Bellingham graduates passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE) at 76.5 percent.
#2. Pierce College
Pierce College in Lakewood has an impressive track record among its graduates in the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE). Between 2018 and 2021, 97 percent of graduates passed the test on the first try.
Completion of this program in veterinary technology usually takes 21 months, as well as course work on animal care; medical dosage for veterinarians; applied methods of behavior; feeding large animals, and more.
The program begins in September and lasts until June, with a summer break in July and August. In addition, students complete 14 credits of veterinary clinical practice for a total of 90 credits.
The program consists of 115 credits, subject to prerequisites.
#3. Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute offers two accredited programs for accredited veterinary technicians (AAS): one in Seattle and the other in nearby Renton. Both programs take 18 months to complete.
Through an online and classroom combination, students will learn about caring for small animals and skills related to the needs of horses, exotic animals, and animals.
Courses include laboratory animal science; care of small animals for veterinary technicians; animal feed and fiber; anatomy and physiology for veterinarians; methods of dentistry; exotic animal medicine and care; urgent procedures; and more.
Students also take an external part-time program for 78.5 credits. Some courses are offered online, hybrid or on-campus.
Pima offers its program in eight states, including these two accredited Washington. Between 2018 and 2021, the success rate of VTNE for Renton campus graduates was an impressive 92 percent.
#4. Yakima Valley College
Yakima Valley College, downtown Washington, DC, offers a degree in Applied Science (AAS) in veterinary technology that provides a range of skills required for the profession.
It includes animal dentistry, inventory control, medical records, surgical care, veterinary medical ethics, and other cornerstones of the industry.
Facilities for the veterinary technology program include small animal wards for birds, rodents, dogs, and cats. Work with large animals takes place on local farms.
The program consists of 107 credits and includes courses in animal anatomy and physiology; veterinary dosages; security and OSHA; nutrition of small animals; surgical nursing; livestock and horse, and more.
Laboratories and clinical experience offer practical skills for students of veterinary technology. Yakima Valley veterinary graduates boasted a 93 percent VTNE rate for the first time (2018-2021).
#5. Lower Columbia College
The Lower Columbia College Certificate Program is taught on their campus in Longview, Washington. The public college has about 3,208 students, most of whom study in 2-year programs.
The Northwest Commission institutionally accredits the college for Colleges and Universities. The tuition fee for students living in the state is approximately $4,131.
For students from other states, it costs about $4,644 for each academic year, while study materials can cost about $ 1,155, depending on the program.
#6. Skagit Valley College
The Skagit Valley College Veterinary Assistant program is based on its campus in Mount Vernon. The public college has approximately 4,993 students, most of whom study in 4-year programs.
The Northwest Commission accredits the college for Colleges and Universities. Tuition for state students is typically about $ 4,200, and for students from other countries is about $ 4,700 per year.
Training materials can cost around $ 1,200, depending on the program chosen.
#7. Northwestern Career Technical Academy
The Northwestern Academy of Careers and Technical Assistance, located in Mount Vernon, Washington, offers a dual-enrollment veterinary assistant program.
This means that high school students can enter the school while still in high school. This program includes guest speakers at lectures in the classroom and observational training in a clinical setting.
Training includes examination room assistance, patient care, customer training, and customer service skills.
They also learn essential life skills, such as job search, resume writing, and leadership. Students in this program will receive one credit in science/laboratory, one credit in technical English, and one in vocational education.
#8. Renton Technical College
The Certificate College Technical Certificate program is available on their campus in Renton, Washington.
This public college has about 3,359 students, most of whom study in 4-year programs. The Northwest Commission institutionally accredits the college for Colleges and Universities.
Tuition is about $4,836 per year. Training materials can cost around $1,050, depending on your chosen program.
What is the Best Pre-Vet School in Washington State?
Washington State University and the University of Washington are some colleges offering pre-veterinary programs in Washington State.
The University of Washington offers four graduate programs that include the preparatory courses required for admission to the Veterinary Medicine program, which includes animal science, zoology, wildlife ecology, and neuroscience.
Pre-veterinary programs are considered not the main but a preparatory way to veterinary school.
How to Become a Veterinarian in Washington State
Complete an accredited AVMA associate or bachelor’s program (two to four years). To obtain a license in Washington, students must complete a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Pass the National Examination of Veterinary Technician (VTNE). This test, proposed by the American Association of Veterinary Councils (AAVSB), is a typical requirement for licensing, certification, or registration as a veterinarian in most U.S. states.
Secure licensing through the Washington Department of Health. To become a veterinary technician in Washington State, a person must complete an application confirming completion of an AVMA-accredited program.
Successful VTNE scores, AIDS training, and a state open book exam with a score of at least 90 percent. These licenses are valid for one year.
Conclusion
College students wishing to study the veterinary medicine program must have a wealthy bachelor’s degree (such as anatomy and biology) and an excellent academic history to begin a conversation with the university.
The degree in veterinary medicine ends with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree after a four-year program filled with research, laboratories, and lectures.
With a DVM degree, students can take a North American veterinary license exam before applying for a license from VB, Washington. Mark your future today with the best information from Washington’s leading veterinary colleges.
Vet Schools in Washington State FAQs
How Much Do Veterinarians in Washington State Make?
A vet in Washington takes home an average of 28.00 per hour. The annual salary of a veterinarian in Washington State is $ 59,245 on average, which is 30% higher than the state average income and 45% higher than the national average income for all professions.Â
Are Vets In Demand In Washington State?
The work of a veterinarian is limited to the working population in Washington, D.C., and is limited by the specific qualifications required along with career-related school education. The growing demand for skilled veterinarians, combined with the educational barrier to entry, meets a growing number of aspiring college graduates seeking to make a lasting impact on the lives of others in and around Washington.
How Do I Become A Vet In Washington State?
There are several ways to become an AVA in Washington. The first will be the completion of a program approved by NAVTA. In Washington, it can be done both on-campus and online. NAVTA approves the program of a veterinary assistant at Renton Technical College, as well as the program at Penn Foster. After completing one of these programs, you can pay $100 for the certification exam. If you pass, you will receive a national AVA certification.
References
- matchcollege.com – Washington Veterinary Schools
- vettechcolleges.com – VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN WASHINGTON
- vettechnicians.org – Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Washington
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