Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Montana
Montana has seen very positive job growth in recent years, and veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing fields in this state. Veterinary technician jobs are expected to grow 29.5 percent nationwide by 2022, but in Montana, they are expected to grow an impressive 37 percent. This is well above the rate of projected growth for all professions across the United States.
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The mean annual veterinary technician salary in Montana is $36,210, which is a little lower than the mean nationwide vet tech salary of $36,850 and the median national salary for all careers of $34,750. The cost of living in Montana is also 6.9 percent higher than the U.S. average. However, the median home price in Montana is lower than the national average, which helps to offset the higher cost of living. The highest-paid vet tech positions in Montana can pay as much as $44,190.
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.
Montana Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
Officially, veterinary technicians do not need to be licensed to practice in Montana. However, most individual employers in Montana still prefer or require their vet techs to be certified.
The Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association (BSVTA) is the primary certifying body in this state, and there are three different pathways to certification. Candidates may apply if they have graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program, have a minimum of five years of experience as a practicing veterinary technician, or have a license, registration, or certification from another state.
AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs in Montana
Currently, there are no AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs in the state of Montana.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Montana
A significant amount of farming and ranching takes place in this vast state, which makes it a great destination for veterinary technicians who enjoy working with large animals. There are also many employment opportunities in facilities like animal hospitals and clinics that focus on small, domestic animals. Facilities in need of certified veterinary technicians include:
- Amherst Animal Hospital, Butte
- Creekside Veterinary Hospital, Bozeman
- Bridger Veterinary Hospital, Helena
- Sorensen Veterinary Hospital, Belgrade
- Veterinary Technical College, Dillon
Professional Organizations
The primary professional organization for veterinary technicians in Montana is the Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association (BSVTA). This organization is responsible for certifying vet techs and also provides employment listing and continuing education opportunities. Montana vet techs may also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).