About the Program

The Veterinary Assisting Program is ideal for you if you’re interested in an animal-related career. Theory and skills needed to become veterinary assistants are taught here, as well as investigating other careers and advanced schooling available in the veterinary field.

You will gain experience through classroom activities and daily handling of our resident animals. This takes place in a realistic setting on campus that models worksites in the industry. You will use your classroom knowledge and skill as you complete an internship at a local animal care facility during your second semester.

All health class students need to declare proof of insurance for externships.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Biology and Health classes.

Download the VA Syllabus

I went to Lynnwood High and started working in the veterinary field when I was 15. I was hired at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital as a kennel attendant. The plan was to become a veterinarian, but after working in the field I grew to love the nursing side of the profession. I took running start in high school and received my Associates of Arts & Sciences Edmonds CC. After working for a few years as an assistant, I went to school to become a licensed veterinary technician, at Pierce College.

I worked at Pilchuck for 20+ years, moving from a kennel attendant and assistant to a licensed technician, in all areas of the hospital: Emergency Critical Care, Equine, Bovine and Small Ruminant, Small Animal General Practice, Small Animal Blood Bank and the in the Clinical Laboratory where I was the manager many years. I’ve worked and volunteered at other clinics in the area, most notably helping my friend and colleague start her own practice in Fall City.

I love the variety of working in veterinary medicine. There is something new every day, and there is always something more to learn and explore. I enjoy all aspects of medicine as well: from surgery to triaging emergencies, from puppy packages to geriatric care)(and everything in between), veterinary medicine provides amazing opportunities to help people and their animals live healthy happy lives together.

In my spare time when not teaching; I am married with two daughters (one is a graduating senior and the other is graduating 8th grade), we have a 10 year old husky named Yeddy who is the “school mascot’ and my teaching assistant, 2 cats Howard (14) and Mister (11), and three hens: Millie, Fox and Nuggs, and when all the chores are done I coach select soccer.