Faculty: Markiva Contris, LVT; Salvador Hurtado, DVM (FS)
Web site: www.pierce.ctc.edu/vet-tech

NOTE:  The Veterinary Technology courses are taught only at the Fort Steilacoom campus.

Pierce College is one of five colleges in Washington to offer the Associate in Veterinary Technology degree. This two-year program is designed to prepare students to assist veterinarians in all aspects of animal care, including small and large animal practices, zoos, research laboratories and industry. Following successful completion of the national and state board examinations, graduates can expect a challenging and rewarding career.

The Veterinary Technology program is a special admissions program and the number of students accepted is limited by the physical and financial resources of the college. Selection into the program is based on the satisfactory completion of admissions requirements. The selection process is competitive; therefore, not all applicants will be accepted. Candidates with the highest total scores will be notified of their acceptance status in late May (Tier Iapplicants) or early September (Tier II applicants) preceding the fall quarter for which they applied. See www.pierce.ctc.edu/vet-tech.

Professional/technical program competencies can be found at www.pierce.ctc.edu/dept/vettech/outcomes

All candidates must have the following courses, these courses may require prerequisites based upon placement scores.
• College-level biology (i.e. BIOL& 100, 5 credits)
• College-level chemistry (i.e., CHEM& 100, 5 credits)
• Intermediate algebra (i.e., MATH 096, 7 credits or MATH 098, 5 credits)
• College-level English (i.e. ENGL& 101, 5 credits)
• College-level medical terminology (i.e., BTECM 150, min. 3 credits)
• Grade of 2.0 or better for each program prerequisite course
• Program assessment test
• Recommendation/Reference Form and Discussion Topics Form
• Veterinary hospital experience

Many laboratory sessions require lifting, bending and restraining animals. This is physically demanding and a necessary part of the curriculum. If a student has any physical limitations that would prevent them from doing this work, they are advised to make an appointment with the director of the program.

APPLY EARLY
Because the veterinary technology courses are offered in sequence, students may enter the program fall quarter only. Deadline for submitting the admissions form, the $40 non-refundable application fee, and other required documents is April 15 preceding the fall quarter in which the student plans to enter the program. Because of the special admission requirements for the program, applications for admission submitted online are not accepted. The application packet and forms can be accessed through the Veterinary Technology website at www.pierce.ctc.edu/vet-tech.

ACCREDITATION
The Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College has been approved by the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians, and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Starting in summer 2015, all new Pierce College students will be required to take COLLG 110 College Success  within the first two quarters of starting coursework at Pierce College. Select students may be exempt from this requirement, including some students transferring in to Pierce College.