Veterinary Technician (VTT) is an Associate Degree program offered by Pima Medical Institute in Renton, WA. The program takes 77 weeks (5-day) / 86 weeks (4-day) to complete, with a total tuition of $21,243.
Program Overview
Objective: To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level veterinary technicians through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, examination techniques, and radiologic, dental, and surgical procedures as they relate to veterinary care.
Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and applicable state board examinations.
This is a degree completion program: per the catalog outline, the Career Prep and Veterinary Assistant Professional Sequences I, II, III, and Externship (295 theory hours, 185 lab hours, 240 extern hours, 29.0 credits) block-transfer into the program from a veterinary assistant certificate, followed by Veterinary Technician Professional Sequences I–V and the Externship sequence.
At a Glance: Program Type: Associate Degree. Delivery Method: Hybrid. Semester Credits: 77.5. Program Hours: 1,775 (1,820 at the Las Vegas campus, which includes HST 205 Nevada History and US Constitution). Program Weeks: 77 weeks (5-day schedule: Career Prep Seq 6 weeks; VA Seq 1-3+Extern 6 weeks each; VT Seq I-V 8 weeks each; VT Extern/Seminar Seq 7 weeks) or 86 weeks (4-day schedule).
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $21,243.00. The published total cost is $23,786.00.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admissions Requirements: In addition to the Admissions requirements and Transfer Credit criteria listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, an interview with the program director and/or faculty is required. Applicants to this degree completion program must provide evidence of a certificate/diploma from a veterinary assistant program and upon evaluation may successfully transfer 29 credits. Applicants with less than one year of experience as a veterinary assistant must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 - 2.74 will be required to pass a readiness assessment with a score of 80% or greater (16 out of 20 points) on the first attempt to qualify. Refer to the program specific Prospective Student Handout for more information.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Delivery Method: Hybrid. Program Weeks: 77 (5-day schedule) or 86 (4-day schedule). Program Hours: 1,775 (1,820 Las Vegas). Note: The catalog also publishes a separate outline for the Veterinary Technician program at the El Paso campus (Delivery Method: On-ground; Program Hours: 1,590; Semester Credits: 75.5).
Career Outcomes
How Do I Get Certified as a Veterinary Technician After Graduation? Graduates of the program from this school are prepared to sit for certification exams including the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Veterinary Technician? This associate degree program will prepare graduates to apply their skills in a variety of environments, such as: clinics; hospitals; laboratories; ranches; zoos; biomedical facilities; wildlife facilities; humane societies; animal control facilities; other professional veterinary settings.
Job Outlook: Employment is expected to grow as veterinarians continue to utilize technicians and technologists to do general care and lab work on household pets. The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures, may provide opportunities for veterinary professionals specializing in those areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $21,243.00. The published total cost is $23,786.00.