
If you're considering a career as a veterinary technician in Washington, you're likely wondering about the salary opportunities and outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for veterinary technicians in Washington is around $37,000.
As of May 2020, the top-paying industries for veterinary technicians in Washington are veterinary clinics and animal hospitals, with median salaries ranging from $43,000 to over $50,000.
Education for Vet Techs
To become a veterinary technician in Washington, you'll need to complete an accredited academic program. Washington State University is the only school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
You'll also need to take some general education courses, which typically take two semesters to complete. These courses include basic math, composition, speech, and psychology.
During the vet technician program, you'll study subjects like dentistry, pharmacology, anesthesiology, and exotic and lab animal procedures. You'll also participate in an internship, where you'll gain hands-on experience at a local clinic.
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To become licensed, you'll need to pass two exams: the VTNE and the WSEVT. The VTNE is a three-hour exam with 150 questions, and it costs $300 to take. You'll need to pass both exams to get your license.
Here are some accredited Washington veterinary technology programs:
You'll also need to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years to keep your license current. With the increasing demand for vet personnel, this is a great career to consider.
Career and Job Prospects
In Washington, jobs for veterinary technicians are always available, and you can start looking for a job once you have a license. You can submit an application to potential employers such as the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Centers of America, Vetco Wellness Centers and Vaccination Clinics, and Banfield Pet Hospitals.
The job prospects for veterinary technicians in Washington are excellent, with a projected 19.3% growth across the 2016 to 2026 decade, close to the national average. This growth will lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs in all sectors of animal care.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 1700 veterinary technicians employed in Washington in 2011, and opportunities for jobs as a licensed Veterinary Technician will grow up to 30% by 2022.
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Getting a Job
To get a job in veterinary care in Washington, you'll want to start by getting a license. This will open up a world of job opportunities for you. With a license secured, you can start looking for a job.
Jobs are always available in veterinary care in Washington. You can consider working for organizations like the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians.
Some potential employers in Washington include Veterinary Centers of America, Vetco Wellness Centers and Vaccination Clinics, and Banfield Pet Hospitals.
To be eligible for a job as a veterinary technician, you'll need to meet certain criteria. This includes having an associate degree from an accredited school of animal technology, or registration, certification or licensure in an animal or veterinary technician field and one year full-time experience as a Veterinary Specialist 1.
You can also consider pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a medical, biological, or allied field, and two years of applicable experience. Alternatively, you could graduate from a two-year veterinary technician program, and two years of working experience with laboratory animals.
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To increase your chances of getting hired, it's a good idea to have experience training and teaching students, interns and residents in a specialty clinic setting. Experience working in a small animal and large animal veterinary setting is also preferred.
Here are some potential employers to consider:
- Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians
- Veterinary Centers of America – Washington Branches
- Vetco Wellness Centers and Vaccination Clinics located in:
- Banfield Pet Hospitals located in:
By meeting the required criteria and gaining relevant experience, you can increase your chances of getting a job in veterinary care in Washington. With high salaries and good job prospects, it's a great career to consider.
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Veterinary Technician Job Prospects
In Washington, there are always available jobs for people working in veterinary care. Veterinary technicians can expect a 19.3% growth in their occupation across the 2016 to 2026 decade, which is very close to the national average.
The demand for veterinary technicians is high due to the large number of pets owned by Washington residents. In 2011, over 1700 veterinary technicians were employed in the state.
Veterinary technicians in Washington can earn an average salary of $38,220, or $18.38 an hour, in 2018. Wages run a little higher on average in Western Washington than in the balance of the state.
The job prospects for veterinary technicians are excellent, with opportunities for growth in all sectors of animal care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for jobs as a licensed Veterinary Technician will grow up to 30% by 2022, creating thousands of new jobs.
Here are some potential employers in Washington that you can submit an application to:
- Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians
- Veterinary Centers of America – Washington Branches
- Vetco Wellness Centers and Vaccination Clinics located in:
- Banfield Pet Hospitals located in:
These employers offer a range of work settings and experience levels, which can impact salary. The Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians has posted a salary survey, providing a more nuanced picture of vet tech earnings in the state.
Scope of Practice and Outlook
In Washington state, veterinary technicians (LVTs) have a well-defined scope of practice that outlines what tasks they can perform under supervision. Specifically, LVTs can administer intravenous injections and non-rabies vaccines.
LVTs in Washington can also perform diagnostic procedures such as cytology analysis and electrocardiograms, as well as ophthalmological procedures like tear drop testing and fluorescein staining. They can even place nasogastric tubes and close gingival and skin incisions.
Under indirect supervision, LVTs can perform tasks that are typically done by veterinary assistants under direct supervision, unless there's a specific prohibition on the task. This highlights the importance of proper supervision in the veterinary field.
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Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice
In Washington, veterinary technicians (LVTs) have a well-defined scope of practice. They can perform intravenous injections under the right supervision.
LVTs in Washington can also administer non-rabies vaccines. This is one of the many tasks they're allowed to do under supervision.
Closing gingival and skin incisions is another task within their scope of practice. This is an important responsibility that requires skill and attention to detail.
Diagnostic procedures like cytology analysis and electrocardiograms are also within LVTs' scope. These tasks help veterinarians make informed decisions about patient care.
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LVTs can place nasogastric tubes, a critical procedure in many medical situations. This requires careful training and supervision.
Ophthalmological procedures like tear drop testing and fluorescein staining are also within LVTs' scope of practice. These tasks help veterinarians diagnose and treat eye problems.
Washington state's code allows veterinary assistants to perform certain tasks under direct supervision. These tasks can also be performed by LVTs under indirect supervision, unless there's a specific prohibition.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for veterinary technicians in Washington looks very promising. The occupation is projected to see 19.3% growth across the 2016 to 2026 decade, which is very close to the national average.
Washington residents own a large number of pets, including cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, and guinea pigs, providing a steady demand for veterinary technicians. Veterinary technicians may also work with various types of production animals and exotic animals, such as reptiles and rare birds.
The average salary for veterinary technicians in Washington is $38,220, with wages running a little higher on average in Western Washington than in the balance of the state. Work setting and experience can be expected to play a large role in determining salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for jobs as a licensed Veterinary Technician will grow up to 30% by 2022, creating thousands of new jobs in all sectors of animal care.
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Top Schools and Salary
Pierce College's 21-month veterinary technology program is highly selective, admitting only 40 students per year. They boast a 95% VTNE first-time pass rate for the years 2015 to 2018.
Yakima Valley College has a competitive admissions process, considering multiple factors such as academics, veterinary and work experience, and recommendations. They also offer a 100% job placement rate for the years 2012 to 2018.
In Washington, you can expect to start around $20,000 a year fresh out of school with an Associate's Degree.
Top Schools in State
If you're looking to attend a top vet tech school in Washington State, you're in luck - several institutions offer excellent programs. Pierce College's 21-month program is highly selective, admitting only 40 students per year.
Pierce College boasts a 95% first-time pass rate on the Veterinary Technology National Examination (VTNE) from 2015 to 2018. This is a great indicator of the program's quality and effectiveness.
Yakima Valley College has an impressive 100% job placement rate for the years 2012 to 2018. The school's competitive admissions process takes into account a range of factors, including academic performance and veterinary experience.
Bellingham Technical College and Pima Medical Institute are also AVMA-accredited options for earning an Associate of Applied Science degree. Pima Medical Institute's Seattle and Renton campuses are accredited separately.
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Salary Expectations
You can expect to start around $20,000 a year fresh out of school with your Associates' Degree.
Salaries for veterinary technicians range from $21,000 to $53,000 per year, with higher-end salaries requiring additional education and training.
Working in a clinic in a large city can pay more than working in a rural practice.
The average salary for a veterinary technician in Washington is $30,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Veterinary Technician
In Washington, veterinary technicians have a defined scope of practice, which includes tasks like intravenous injections, non-rabies vaccines, and diagnostic procedures such as cytology analysis and electrocardiograms.
Washington state has set a high standard for veterinary technicians, requiring them to be registered and certified to perform these tasks.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 1700 veterinary technicians employed in Washington in 2011.
Veterinary technicians in Washington can expect a 30% growth in job opportunities by 2022, creating thousands of new positions in various sectors of animal care.
To become a licensed veterinary technician in Washington, one must meet the required criteria to sit for the state exam and pass it on the first try.
A veterinary technician in Washington typically requires an associate degree from an accredited school of animal technology or equivalent experience.
To be eligible for the Washington State veterinary technician exam, one must meet the required criteria, which includes having an associate degree or equivalent experience.
Veterinary technicians in Washington can work in various settings, including research laboratories, medical specialty clinics, shelters, teaching colleges, non-profit organizations, and in the government and the military.
The average salary for a veterinary technician in Washington is 3% higher than the national average.
To become a veterinary technician in Washington, one can pursue an associate degree, certification, or licensure in an animal or veterinary technician field, or gain one year of full-time experience as a Veterinary Specialist 1.
A veterinary technician with a Bachelor's degree in a medical, biological, or allied field and two years of applicable experience can also qualify for the position.
Here is a list of some of the tasks that veterinary assistants can perform under direct supervision in Washington:
- Intravenous injections
- Non-rabies vaccines
- Closing of gingival and skin incisions
- Diagnostic procedures such as cytology analysis and electrocardiograms
- Placement of nasogastric tubes
- Ophthalmological procedures such as tear drop testing and fluorescein staining
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a vet tech in Washington state?
The Veterinary Technology Program in Washington state is a 2-year program. You can become a vet tech in Washington state in just 2 years, with a total program cost of approximately $15,000.
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