Veterinary Assistant Program

The veterinary assistant program at Yakima Valley Community 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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Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC)

300 W Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA

About

Yakima Valley Community College, located in Yakima, Washington was founded in 1928 and is among the oldest colleges in the state. The school serves over four thousand students annually through two campuses, the second being located in Grandview. In addition, the school operates several learning centers in Ellensburg, Toppenish and Goldendale. The school also allows dual enrollment for high school students through the Running Start program. The school competes in intercollegiate athletics through a number of sports programs and the school mascot is the Yak.

Academics

Yakima Valley Community College offers students a number of personal and professional options when considering enrollment. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to colleges and universities in order to continue that education and earn a  bachelor's degree. Career and technical programs provide in depth training and education in a specific high demand field or industry in order to pursue long term employment in that field or industry upon completion. Such programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate.

Programs offered include:

• Bookkeeping
• Computer Systems Networking
• Electrician
• Early Childhood Education
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

Yakima Valley Community College is an open enrollment institution, and as such admits any individual that completes the application for admission and pay the associated fees. Students are asked to supply transcripts and test scores if available and may be required to take a placement exam. A meeting with a counselor is encouraged, as is participation in orientation for new students. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assists the school in determining need and disbursing funds.

Students Enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. YVCC offers an associate's degree program in veterinary assistant.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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

• Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
  • Total Employment: 60
  • Average Hourly Rate: $16.34
  • Average Annual Salary: $33980

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