Veterinary Assistant Program

The veterinary assistant program at Lower Columbia College prepares students to assist veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals in treating animals. They also have the option to become a kennel attendant, animal caretaker, groomer, zookeeper, or animal trainer. The program focuses on providing patient management, care, and clinical procedure assistance, and owner communication. Program courses include: animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, and clinical laboratory procedures. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer veterinary assistant program.

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Lower Columbia College

11605 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA

Lower Columbia College, located in Longview, Washington, is a public, two year institution founded in 1934 when it was known as Lowe Columbia Junior College. Students originally registered for courses through local businesses in various cities with classes held at R.A. Long High School. Over the years the college grew in size and enrollment, eventually getting its own campus and permanent home. The school became a community college in 1961 and joined the state supported Washington Community and Technical College System in 1967.

Academics

As a comprehensive community college, LCC offers a variety of courses aimed at academic transfer or career development. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a college education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to continue one's education and earn a bachelor's degree. Career training programs assist students in receiving an education in a given are or field with the intention of seeking employment in that field upon graduation. Programs take between one and two years to complete and confer a certificate or degree upon completion.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Political Science

Admissions and Financial Aid

Lower Columbia College is a public, two year institution that maintains an open enrollment policy that admits any individual who meets the minimum requirements. Students must submit an application, provide transcripts and test scores, and pay all associated fees, and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships which are awarded based on need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Description

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, veterinary technologists and technicians employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 910
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.97
  • Average Annual Salary: $37380
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 300
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.20
  • Average Annual Salary: $35780

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).