Veterinary: Preventative Health

Program Description

Veterinary Tech Program

Offered by Washington State University, this program teaches how to prevent diseases, promote animal wellness, and protect public health. The curriculum is designed to support aspiring veterinary professionals, animal caregivers, and industry workers to improve animal health and prevent the spread of infections. The course is a combination of online and hands-on instruction.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Preventative healthcare strategies (vaccinations, parasite control, nutrition, dental care, and end-of-life care).
  • Disease prevention (zoonotic diseases, biosecurity, and herd health management).
  • Public health and animal welfare (understanding how animal health impacts communities).
  • Hands-on training in early disease detection and client education.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Principles of veterinary preventive medicine
  • Vaccination protocols and herd health management
  • Parasite prevention and control strategies
  • Nutrition and its role in disease prevention
  • Zoonotic diseases and public health considerations
  • Biosecurity measures for clinics, farms, and shelters
  • Client communication and education on preventive care

Completion & Certification:

Graduates receive a Veterinary Preventative Health Completion Certificate, proving their expertise in proactive veterinary care. This program prepares students for careers in clinical, agricultural, and shelter settings to improve animal health and well-being.

Summer 2025 Program Details

  • Application deadline: May 18 is the priority deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if there is space.
  • Program dates: June 25 - July 17 (no class on July 3, 4 or 11). Program times are between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Meeting location: Hunt Middle School
  • Notification of selected applicants: Early June
  • Approximate hours to complete: 100 (dependent on background knowledge of medical terminology and animal anatomy/physiology)
  • Certification(s) offered: Veterinary Preventative Health Certificate of Completion by Washington State University
  • Credits toward graduation: 0.5 elective credits 
  • Total spots available: 20
  • Special considerations for this program: 
    • Completion of a medical class needed as a pre-requisite (for example, a veterinary at Lincoln or HCA class at Mt. Tahoma/Stadium)  
    • Not an introductory class; difficult without a background knowledge of medical terminology
  • For additional information, please contact Jeff Klancke: jklanck@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Apply now

  • May 18 is the priority deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if there is space.
  • TPS students must be logged into their TPS account to apply
  • Applications take 15-20 minutes to complete
  • Students will be asked to provide contact information for themselves and a parent/guardian
  • Read the program description, requirements and dates prior to applying.

TPS Student Application  Non-TPS Student Application

Veterinary Preventative Health Careers

Average Salary: There is no set salary for this role on its own.You may earn extra pay if you work in a veterinary clinic, but the amount varies. Typically, this training could add $1–$2 per hour to your regular wage.

Required Education: dependent on core job, this training can be added to job knowledge and is not a stand-alone job