Becoming a Veterinary Technician in North Dakota
North Dakota is seeing a significant increase in the number of available veterinary technician positions. Veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing professions in the state, with the number of jobs projected to increase by 33.9 percent between 2012 and 2022. This significantly outpaces the projected rate of job growth in all professions (10.8 percent) and also outpaces the nationwide projected growth rate for veterinary technician positions, which is 29.5 percent. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The average hourly wage for veterinary technicians in North Dakota is $17.71, and the average annual salary is $36,840. This is somewhat lower than the average nationwide vet tech salary, which is $36,850. North Dakota’s cost of living is also above average for the United States, although the median home price is below the U.S. average. The highest-paid veterinary technicians in North Dakota may earn as much as $46,880 per year.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
All veterinary technicians in North Dakota must receive a license from the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. To receive a license, applicants must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approved program, pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and submit the endorsement of a licensed veterinarian.
Veterinary Technician National Examination
The VTNE is a three-hour, computerized exam. It covers topics such as animal nursing, laboratory procedures, and veterinary pharmacology. To take the exam, applicants must submit an application and fee to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The VTNE is offered twice a year in January and July.
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 Veterinary Technician Programs
At this time, there is only one AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program in North Dakota. North Dakota State University in the city of Fargo has a four-year bachelor of science program that first received its accreditation in 1978.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in North Dakota
In addition to small animal work, veterinary technicians in North Dakota have many opportunities to work in the large farming and ranching industries in this state. Small animal clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and even research facilities require licensed vet techs too. Facilities in North Dakota that need veterinary technicians include:
- Missouri Valley Veterinary Clinic, Bismarck
- Big Sky Animal Medical and Surgical Referral Center, Great Falls, MT
- Airport Animal Hospital, Fargo
Professional Organizations
The primary professional organization for vet techs in North Dakota is the North Dakota Veterinary Technician Association (NDVTA). This association helps its members to form valuable professional connections, provides discounted continuing education opportunities, and places job postings on their website. North Dakota vet techs may also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), which offers additional discounts, networking, and education opportunities.
Veterinary Technician Schools in North Dakota
Fargo, ND-MN Area
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
1301 12th Avenue North, Fargo, North Dakota 58108-6050
Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program
North Dakota State University’s Bachelor-level Veterinary Technology program is offered at its Main campus in the city of Fargo, ND. Of the 14,747 students, about 18% are postgraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $8,098 and for students from other states around $19,392 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,100, depending on the program.
* 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
See options in the neighboring states of Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
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