Veterinary Technician Training In Montana

Becoming a Montana Vet Tech

With the increasing importance placed upon high quality care for pets and livestock alike, the veterinary care sector is a growing part of the economy.

Due to this, there is a growing demand for highly skilled veterinary professionals. For that reason, the veterinary technician is a profession that is extremely promising for those interested in a career in veterinary care.

The Duties of a Vet Tech

Vet techs have a wide range of duties, depending on their level of experience and the nature of the veterinary practice they are working in. In some cases, a vet tech may primarily work with a single veterinarian, while in other cases, they may be part of a larger veterinary care team.

Among the common duties a vet tech will find him or herself performing are the following:

• Conducting the initial physical examination of animals that are to be admitted to the clinic.

• If an animal is critically injured, the vet tech will often provide the initial emergency care to stabilize the animal.

• Assisting the veterinarian before, during and after surgical procedures.

• Administering medication that has been prescribed by the vet.

• Interviewing animal owners to obtain critical information for the veterinarian.

• In some cases, the vet tech will supervise other employees, including veterinary aides, volunteers and clerical workers.

In addition, experienced vet techs may choose to specialize in a variety of fields, including internal medicine, nutrition, and clinical pathology. These specialties usually require extra education in addition to work experience in that field before the vet tech can be certified as a specialist.

Becoming a Vet Tech in Montana

Currently, Montana does not require that vet techs be certified in order to practice. However, the Montana Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association offers certification for veterinary techs who are working in Montana. In this way, they can gain the right to refer to themselves as certified veterinary technicians.

Why Become a Certified Vet Tech

Certified vet techs have better salary and career options than non-certified techs. In addition, many businesses and organizations require a tech to be certified before hiring him or her.

Finally, for those techs who are considering moving to another state, most states do require certification or licensure before they will allow a vet tech to practice. By obtaining certification in Montana, it becomes less likely that the vet tech will have to repeat the educational process should they move to another state.

Becoming Certified

Becoming certified requires the following steps on the part of the prospective vet tech:

• Complete either a full or part-time veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

• Take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The student must score at least 425 on the test to successfully pass it.

• Alternately, if the candidate is licensed to practice as a vet tech in another state, he or she may be certified by reciprocity.

Renewing the Vet Techs Certification

The vet techs certification must be renewed every year in order to remain valid. In addition to the renewal fee, the vet tech must complete a certain amount of continuing education (CE) units, in order to demonstrate that he or she is remaining current with the modern state of veterinary medicine. These CE units must be approved by the Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association, and can range from classroom work to practical experience or a limited amount of online work. At least 16 hours of CE units will be required every two years.

The Benefits of Working as a Certified Vet Tech in Montana

With a wide range of urban and rural career opportunities, vet techs in Montana have a wide variety of career options. Certified vet techs can find employment in fields ranging from urban or rural veterinary practices, to employment with federal, state or local wildlife management and research organizations. In addition, a wide variety of commercial farming and ranching concerns have a growing need for veterinary professionals to ensure that their livestock and production animals receive high quality care.

Finally, the growing importance of high-quality pet care has resulted in dramatically improved employment prospects for certified vet techs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently estimates that the employment levels for vet techs will increase by at least 52 percent by 2020, demonstrating above average growth. Furthermore, the national median wage of over $29,000 is very competitive with other fields requiring similar levels of education.

Becoming a vet tech in Montana is an excellent choice for newly graduated students and currently employed individuals seeking a new career alike. By entering this career, a vet tech can expect a fulfilling and economically successful career in the field of veterinary medicine.

Montana Veterinary Technician Programs

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