Cascade Veterinary Clinics has some exciting news to share with you!

On May 2, after three years in development, the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors (VBOG) endorsed Cascade Veterinary Clinics’ Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) Apprenticeship Program.

Cascade Veterinary Clinics’ mantra of “Teach, Learn, and Improve” resonates at every level of our organization and creating a program that aligns with our values is what the Apprenticeship Program does. The program consists of 6,000 hours (3 years) of on-the-job training and 760 hours of related supplemental instruction. Students would earn an income while gaining valuable hands-on learning experience before sitting for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VNTE) and the state licensure.

Our goal is that this program will help address the shortage of LVTs by providing an alternative educational pathway for people who want to enter the field but are worried about finances. Current online programs cost an average of $25,000 or more and provide limited hands-on training, which is crucial to succeeding in the field. Community or technical programs can often be hours away, making it difficult for students to attend mandatory classes. We believe our program offers a new opportunity for students to earn the education they want without paying the traditional cost or moving from the Wenatchee Valley.

Cascade Veterinary Clinics’ Apprenticeship Program will be registered through Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) governed by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Combining classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced mentors, students will receive a rigorous education through a blend of accredited college courses, labs and curriculum taught by licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians, which aligns with over 300 Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) essential skills.

Cascade Veterinary Clinics is committed to delivering the highest standard of medical care while providing career and educational pathways for staff while keeping families in the Wenatchee Valley to care for our communities’ pets and their parents.

If you’d like more information about this program, please reach out to us!

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