Becoming a Veterinary Technician in South Dakota
The sparsely-populated state of South Dakota offers some great opportunities for veterinary technicians. Many vet tech jobs in South Dakota involve working with livestock on ranches and farms, which is not always available in more urban states. In addition, vet tech positions in South Dakota are growing at a healthy rate: the number of jobs is expected to increase by 17.5 percent between 2012 and 2022. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in South Dakota earn a median salary of $31,460 per year. This is fairly close to the median annual salary for vet techs nationwide, which is $32,350. Furthermore, housing prices and the overall cost of living are both below average in South Dakota, which means that vet techs in this state can earn a very good living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paid veterinary technicians in South Dakota may earn as much as $42,080 per year.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
All practicing veterinary technicians in South Dakota must be registered by the South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Before they can be registered, candidates must graduate from a vet tech program than has been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The final step before registration is an oral interview with the Board.
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
South Dakota currently has two veterinary technician programs that have been approved by the AVMA. The veterinary technology program at National American University was first certified in 1981 and is now fully certified. In addition, Globe University-Sioux Falls has a program that received its initial accreditation in 2010. Both programs culminate in an associate in applied science degree.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in South Dakota
South Dakota veterinary technicians may work in small animal hospitals, ranches, farms and even research laboratories. There are projected to be around 320 veterinary technicians employed in South Dakota by the year 2022. Some of the facilities in South Dakota in need of registered veterinary technicians include:
- Sioux Nation Pet Clinic, Sioux Falls
- Charles River Laboratories, Scotland
- Oahe Veterinary Hospital, Mobridge
- Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic, Aberdeen
Professional Organizations
South Dakota veterinary technicians are eligible to join the South Dakota Veterinary Technician Association. This association has a Facebook site that makes regular postings, and through which you can request their website address. Vet techs in this state may also choose to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). NAVTA membership benefits include discounts on insurance, hotels and car rentals, and access to the most up-to-date information about the practice of veterinary technology.
Popular Colleges
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.
College and University Listings
Rapid City, SD Area
National American University-Rapid City
5301 South Highway 16, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-2823Animal Sciences – Associate Program, Animal Sciences – Certificate Program
National American University offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their Rapid City campus in the city of Rapid City, South Dakota. The majority of of the school’s 1,479 students are on 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees are generally around $13,647 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,350, although this will depend on the program.
Sioux Falls, SD Area
Globe University-Sioux Falls
5101 S Broadband Ln, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Veterinary Technology Associate’s degree program at Globe University can be taken at their Sioux Falls campus in the city of Sioux Falls. Most of the school’s 138 students are on 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Fees for tuition are about $14,040 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,152, although this varies from program to program.
* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.
Other Options
See options in the neighboring states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.