Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Idaho
To work with animals is a dream for many people, and that dream can be realized in Idaho, where the field of veterinary technology and related careers is growing. More positions are being added every year in Idaho for veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and animal caregivers. To work as a vet tech in the state requires certification through the state veterinary board. [Leer en español]
Vet Tech Salaries
The average annual salary for a vet tech in Idaho is $36,330, a little lower than the national average salary, although the cost of living in the state is also lower than the national average. The top earners in the field can expect to make as much as $46,190. Because they require less education and training and no certification, vet assistants and animal caregivers earn less than vet techs with an average salary of $27,610.
Requirements for Veterinary Technician Certification
The Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine is responsible for certifying vet techs, and certification is required to work under that title in the state. To be a certified veterinary Technician, one must have completed a veterinary technology program at a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Candidates for certification must also be at least 18 years old and score 90 percent on the Idaho Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination.
Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program
Full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Clinical externships through a private practice near your home or Penn Foster College’s partner VCA Animal Hospitals. Gain hands-on experience alongside licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
AVMA-Accredited Vet Tech Programs
The state requires that vet techs complete an American Veterinary Medical Association’s accredited program in veterinary technology, and three schools in Idaho qualify:
- Broadview University – Boise, Meridian
- Brown Mackie College-Boise
- College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls
Veterinary Technician Employers
Vet techs in Idaho can find jobs with veterinarians working in private practices, at animal hospitals and specialist clinics, at research facilities, and with emergency veterinarians. Animal caregivers and veterinary assistants are often employed in similar facilities, but with fewer responsibilities.
- Idaho Humane Society, Boise
- WestVet 24-Hour Animal Emergency and Specialty Center, Garden City
- Idaho Equine Hospital, Nampa
- Animal Medical Center, Boise
- Animal Health Laboratories, Boise
Professional Organizations for Vet Techs
The Idaho Society of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants is the premier professional organization in the state for both vet techs and vet assistants. Members can join regional chapters and benefit from the resources provided by the group. Vet techs can also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, which provides resources for continuing education and job searches on a national level.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Idaho
Boise City-Nampa, ID Area
Broadview University-Boise
2750 East Gala Court, Meridian, Idaho 83642-0000
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Broadview University’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their Boise campus in Meridian in Ada County, ID. The college has about 116 students in total, with the majority of students in 4-year programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are usually about $13,500 for each academic year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,152, although this will depend on the program.
Brown Mackie College-Boise
9050 W Overland Rd, Ste 101, Boise, Idaho 83709
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Brown Mackie College is based at their Boise campus in the city of Boise, Idaho. Most of the school’s 356 students are in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, about $13,032 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $603, although this will depend on the program.
East Idaho nonmetropolitan area Area
Brigham Young University-Idaho
525 S Center, Rexburg, Idaho 83460-1690
Animal Science – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Brigham Young University is taught at their Idaho campus in the town of Rexburg, ID. Most of the school’s 36,624 students are in 4-year programs. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Tuition fees are about $3,830 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $818, although this will depend on the program.
Southcentral Idaho nonmetropolitan area Area
College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Certificate Program
College of Southern Idaho offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Twin Falls. Most of the school’s 8,473 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Fees for tuition for in-district students are usually around $2,880 and are $3,880 and $6,720 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost in the order of $990, depending on the program chosen.
* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.
Other Options
Students may also wish to review their options in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.
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