Veterinary Technician Schools in Montana

Veterinary technicians nationwide must follow specific steps to start their careers. These include attending an accredited institution and passing a national examination.

The following article explains these major requirements as they pertain to nationwide specifications and unique state licensing requirements that candidates in Montana must consider. The article breaks down these into easily digestible chunks while providing helpful resources concerning possible training programs for accredited, high-quality education.

We round up with an overview of the possible career outlook and salary projections for veterinary technicians in Montana.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Montana

The following are the requirements to become a successful veterinary technician in Montana.

Prerequisites

A high school diploma or GED is typically the requirement to become a veterinary technician in Montana. Students are also advised to focus on natural science subjects, including biology and chemistry.

Choose a Training Program

Relevant accreditation is imperative when choosing a training program for an aspiring veterinary technician in Montana. Currently, the CVTEA, which belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association, is in charge of accrediting vet tech training programs.

Notably, it is also possible to receive training from an online, accredited source. We take a look at some viable options below.

Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination

The VTNE is a national examination required to secure job placement as a veterinary technician in Montana and meet the certification prerequisites.

Candidates must pay a $330 exam fee to qualify for the VTNE, held thrice a year.

Career Prospects

The career prospects for veterinary technicians in Montana are extremely promising. Candidates enjoy several establishments where they can use their expertise. They may also consider specialization to boost their career chances.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in Montana

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Montana

The following are some accredited programs for candidates in Montana to consider.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary technician schools in North Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As with most professions, certification as a veterinary technician provides career opportunities, including professional credibility, continuing education, and networking resources. Montana’s first major licensing consideration is the VTNE, which applies nationally.

Afterward, candidates may start to concern themselves with state credentials. First, the Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine ensures that candidates have completed their VTNE before they start working.

The board also issues a state license and expects candidates to keep renewing their licenses through continuing education credits.

Veterinary technicians in Montana can achieve continuing education credits by attending meetings and online courses approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association and other relevant associations.

Magazine courses may also qualify for continuing education.

Salary & Career Outlook

At the start of their career, a vet technician in Montana typically earns between $27,677 and $37,859. The first figure is for those still finding their way and consequently among the bottom 10%, while the second figure is for those who have established themselves a little, or at least enough, to be among the median earners.

Those among the highest-paid can earn up to $51,787 or more. Vet technicians can improve their earning numbers by working on their business strategy and credentials. Experience and location also facilitate salary growth.

The highest-paying cities for vet technicians in Montana are Great Falls, with an annual average salary of $57,161; Bozeman, with an annual average salary of $43,452; and Missoula, with an annual average salary of $40,432.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment rate for vet techs to improve significantly in the next 10 years, leading to tens of thousands of new job openings.