As with most occupations, individuals knowledgeable about starting a veterinarian career in Montana have an edge over those less prepared. Excellent preparation involves knowing the educational requirements, examination possibilities, and the steps needed to receive a license and practice professionally.
It also involves knowledge of possible training programs, accreditation levels, and potential annual average income based on relevant partners. Thankfully, the resources below provide an extensive look at these issues for aspiring veterinarians in Montana.
How to Become a Veterinarian in Montana
Prospective veterinarians in Montana may start their careers on a strong path by following the guidelines below.
High School Preparations
Veterinarians in Montana typically start their preparation for vet school from high school. They may participate in natural and animal science courses as electives and maintain a strong GPA for straightforward admission into respectable undergraduate programs.
Undergraduate Training
To prepare for veterinary school, candidates must pass through an undergraduate program – most commonly in a related area such as zoology, biochemistry, or animal science. Some veterinary schools will also accept candidates regardless of their undergraduate major.
Aspiring veterinarians need to start building a strong resume from college by having strong scores in extracurricular activities and volunteering in animal shelters.
Completing Veterinary School
Candidates must attend a veterinary school to learn the skills they will use as veterinarians. There are only a few accredited options nationwide, and later in the guide, we look at some of the most favorable ones for candidates in Montana.
Students should be prepared to dedicate the first 3 years of training to classroom learning before moving on to real-world practice through clinical rotations.
Career Approach
Veterinarians can focus on general areas of the field, but most will choose a specialty concentration. Options in this regard include large animal veterinary medicine, mixed practice veterinary medicine, and equine and zoo veterinary medicine.
Explore other careers with similar paths:
Top Veterinary Schools in Montana
The following are some accredited training programs for aspiring veterinarians in Montana to consider.
Washington State University
Pullman, WA Campus Only
Because Montana does not have accredited programs, aspiring veterinarians tend to consider neighboring alternatives. Washington State University is one of the best options in this regard, thanks to the school's accredited status and high educational standards.
Tuition
$594 - $1,422 per CreditContact
(509) 339-8105
admissions@vetmed.wsu.edu
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR Campus Only
Oregon State University's veterinary medicine program is another excellent option for Montana residents. The school has produced several successful veterinarians and maintains a thriving alumni community.
Tuition
$31,598 - $60,710 per YearContact
(541) 737-2141
vetmed@oregonstate.edu
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The above steps are needed to qualify for a veterinary license in Montana. The organization responsible for this is the Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to the steps highlighted above, candidates must be prepared to provide transcripts of their education along with professional references before they can qualify for licensing.
A veterinary license in Montana is valid for 2 years and incurs a $200 license fee. To renew their license, professionals in the state must show proof of 20 hours of continuing education in the last two years.
The state has no reciprocity agreement and does not require verification of active practice.
Lastly, applicants should be prepared to undergo a background check, show proof of citizenship, and pass a jurisprudence examination.
Salary & Career Outlook
The state of Montana offers an annual average salary for veterinarians in the median category that aligns with the national average. Those who fall in this bracket will manage an annual average salary of $120,913 at the end of the year.
The state’s two other categories of veterinarians can be classified according to their yearly returns: the top 10% and the bottom 10%. Those in the former category earn an annual average salary of $199,019, while those in the latter category earn an annual salary of $73,460.
By optimizing their experience, location, and credentials, candidates can quickly rise from the bottom earning category to the higher earnings spectrum. For location, the employment platform Indeed showed that Billings is the highest-paying city for veterinarians in Montana, with an annual average salary of $161,619.
Bozeman comes second with an annual average salary of $140,803. Candidates will also be glad that the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ year-on-year employment rate predictions are favorable for Montana candidates.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
