How to become a Vet Tech in Washington WA
Licensing, certification and registration requirements for veterinary technicians vary by state. If you wish to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Washington (WA) it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited vet tech program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams if you wish to work as a vet tech in Washington. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Below you will find information on the top accredited vet tech schools and programs near you as well as further information on certification and licensing requirements, and salary and employment data.
Accredited Vet Tech Programs Washington WA
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham Technical College | Bellingham, WA | Associate of Applied Science |
| Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom | Lakewood, WA | Associate in Veterinary Technology |
| Pima Medical Institute-Renton | Renton, WA | Associate of Applied Science |
| Pima Medical Institute-Seattle | Seattle, WA | Associate of Applied Science |
| Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 5 accredited veterinary technician programs in Washington State.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Washington Vet Tech License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in Washington.
The Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: PO Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852
Phone: 360-236-4700
Email: HSQACredentialingReview@doh.wa.gov
Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov
Vet Tech Salary in Washington
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $35,690 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $17.16 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $48,830 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $24,930 |
| #'s Employed | 150 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Washington is $37,640 – 8% above the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $18.10.
There are currently 2,120 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Washington.
Vet Tech Careers by Metro Area in WA
If a career as a veterinary technician in Washington strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in Washington.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA | $39,490 | $50,400 | $32,260 | 970 |
| Tacoma-Lakewood, WA | $38,600 | $49,050 | $31,790 | 260 |
| Bellingham, WA | $39,370 | $47,900 | $33,060 | 50 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | $37,130 | $46,000 | $31,900 | 90 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $33,540 | $38,830 | $26,170 | 50 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | $36,410 | $49,690 | $26,170 | 110 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,300 | $50,020 | $32,170 | 1,230 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $32,590 | $40,900 | $26,110 | 170 |
| Yakima, WA | $35,760 | $45,200 | $28,250 | 60 |
Vet Tech Related Careers Comparison WA
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Washington.
| Vet Careers, WA | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $37,640 | 2,120 |
| Veterinarian | $92,950 | 1,550 |
| Vet Assistant | $30,560 | 3,200 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Washington with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers, WA | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $37,640 | 2,120 |
| Medical Assistants | $39,700 | 13,500 |
| Nursing Assistants | $30,410 | 29,910 |
| Dental Assistants | $42,540 | 10,580 |
| X Ray Tech | $85,820 | 790 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $87,440 | 1,500 |