Veterinary Technician Schools in South Dakota

There are several things to look out for when choosing a veterinary technician training program in South Dakota. However, as important as choosing a top-quality training program is, candidates are expected to meet other requirements before they start their careers.

To ensure that prospective vet technicians in the state are manageable, we have highlighted these considerations below. We don’t just list the requirements; we break them down in a very easy-to-understand manner.

Moreover, students will discover the income ranges they may fall into once they start their careers and the steps they can take to improve their yearly returns.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in South Dakota

The following considerations are needed to become a veterinary technician in South Dakota.

High School Diploma or GED

Individuals wanting to become veterinary technicians in South Dakota must have a high school diploma or GED. This is usually a requirement for admission into a program and employment.

Proficiency in natural science subjects such as chemistry and biology will also be important.

Educational Destinations

Prospective veterinary technicians in South Dakota should choose a training program accredited by the AVMA-CVTEA. These programs can be online, in-person, or hybrid.

They are arranged as 2-year associate degree programs and cover clinical, office, and laboratory procedures topics.

When choosing a specific training program, candidates may also consider factors such as graduate success history, job placement rate, and previous Veterinary Technician National Examination performances.

Passing the VTNE

Another mandatory requirement for South Dakota veterinary technicians is to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination, which incurs a $330 exam fee.

Those who have graduated from an accredited school will automatically qualify for this exam.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in South Dakota

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in South Dakota

Prospective veterinary technicians in South Dakota looking for an accredited program may consider any of the options below.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary technician schools in Nebraska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination, candidates in South Dakota still have a few more steps before becoming officially licensed. The South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners oversees the licensing requirements and ensures that candidates pass the VTNE before they start working professionally.

They are also expected to submit proof of good moral character, which must come from two reputable people and two South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners members. Lastly, once they meet these qualification requirements, they must participate in an oral or written licensing examination.

Candidates must score at least 75% to be successful in this examination. Anyone who has completed these steps can officially be referred to as a Registered Veterinary Technician in South Dakota.

Salary & Career Outlook

Data provided by the employment platform Indeed show that Rapid City is the destination where veterinary technicians in South Dakota make the most per year. Those who work here earn an average annual salary of around $33,814.

Those who work in Rapid City hold the second-place position, with an annual average salary of $33,814.

A candidate’s experience level and business strategy will also influence their annual earnings in conjunction with location. Without focusing on a particular criterion, most veterinary technicians in South Dakota fall in the median category, making around $33,932.

Those who fall in the higher-earning category among the top 10% will manage up to $42,072 or more every year. Those still finding their way and among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $27,367.