How to Become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Washington State

Veterinary Technicians help care for all types of animals.

Veterinary technicians usually work in clinics to assist licensed veterinarians with animal care. Some also work in zoos, aquariums and animal shelters. A career as a veterinary technician is an excellent choice if you are passionate about animals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technicians earn a median hourly wage of $12.88 (last update May 2006). The state of Washington has a few specific licensing requirements that may differ from those in other states.

Instructions

1. Enroll in and complete a veterinary technician program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most veterinary technician programs are equivalent to a two-year associate's degree. Four schools in Washington offer such a program. In addition, several schools across the U.S. offer an accredited distance-education degree. See the AVMA resource to find an accredited program.

2. Register for the Washington state veterinary technician exam. You can take the test no sooner than six months before graduation. A score of 90 percent is required to obtain a license. The test consists of two parts: national and state. The state exam is specifically on Washington laws.

3. Wait to receive your license. Once you receive your license, you can actively seek employment.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are licensed in another state, you must provide proof of your license and have 36 months of experience. Applicants who have worked under a licensed veterinarian for five years can bypass the educational requirement at the discretion of the veterinarian and take the license exam.

Resources

• AVMA Programs in Washington State
• AVMA Accredited Distance-Education