How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Idaho

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If you like being around animals every day, a vet tech career might suit you.

So, check out the requirements you have to fulfill to start a career in Idaho.

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Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Idaho

Vet techs work in any animal facilities and generally perform animal-related tasks.

These tasks are supervised by a veterinarian.

Some of your usual daily tasks will be:

  • Administering medications
  • Taking x-rays,
  • Processing tissue samples,
  • Assisting in surgery and emergency care
  • Performing lab tests
  • Teeth cleaning,
  • Electrocardiography,
  • Bandaging,
  • Wound cleaning,
  • Maintaining detailed and accurate records of meds, supplies, patients

In Idaho, as a vet tech, you won’t be able to can’t perform surgeries or give meds.

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Idaho

In Idaho, you can become a vet tech without getting trained if you have some experience in the field.

If not, you need to apply for a vet tech license.

This can be done by pursuing a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science.

This degree is offered through many approved training programs.

Completing a program will take between 2 and 3 years, based on the school.

The program accreditation should be offered through the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Another option is getting a degree in Animal Science with a specialization in vet tech.

The lab practice requirements can be fulfilled by joining an internship or an externship.

Take a look at these schools below for more info.

Top 4 Schools in Idaho

School NameAddress
Brigham Young University-Idaho525 S Center, Rexburg, Idaho 83460-1690
Broadview University-Boise2750 East Gala Court, Meridian, Idaho 83642-0000
Brown Mackie College-Boise9050 W Overland Rd, Ste 101, Boise, Idaho 83709
College of Southern Idaho315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

To enroll in a program, you have to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete these classes before you start your academic year:
    • Biology,
    • English composition,
    • Math,
    • Basic computer science,
    • Psychology,
    • Humanities,
    • Public speaking
  • Future students must complete these classes right before enrolling in the degree program
  • 2 letters of recommendation
    • You need to obtain one from a veterinarian.
  • Health insurance
  • Buying a medical malpractice policy
  • 360 hours of previous practical experience

You could apply for a scholarship or work-study if tuition is out of your budget.

During class, you will learn more about the following subjects:

  • Introduction to veterinary technology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Emergency care and first aid
  • Pathology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Radiology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Parasitology
  • Toxicology
  • Nutrition

The program also requires 20 hours of practice in an approved animal facility.

The last semester will generally be a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Idaho

Vet technicians in Idaho are certified by the Idaho State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

To get the license, make sure to submit:

  • An application form
  • Proof you graduated from the training program described earlier
  • The fees below
    • $300 for the exam
    • $100 for the license
  • Score at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The VTNE has 150 questions, a duration of 3 hours, and a fee of $300.

In Idaho, you also need to pass a jurisprudence exam with a score of 90%.

Your vet tech license needs to be renewed each year in Idaho.

To do this, you must take 8 hours of class in an approved site.

The Idaho Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) is a great resource for vet techs in Idaho.

You can receive help in landing a job and continuing your schooling.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Idaho

You will need to know more about what the job entails before making a decision.

You might also want to know how much do vet techs in Idaho earn.

First of all, you can work in facilities like:

  • Private clinical practices
  • Zoos
  • Veterinary teaching hospitals
  • Rescue centers
  • Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
  • Humane societies,
  • Research facilities,
  • Feedlots,
    Pharmaceutical companies

Some of the largest facilities to work for as a vet tech in Idaho are:

  • 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

Vet techs who live or work in bigger cities generally earn more.

This is also the case for vet techs who have a lot of experience and credentials.

Annual Salary Range:
$29K
$34K
$41K

Average Salary of Veterinary Technicians in Idaho

City NameSalary
Boise$34,515
Nampa$34,144
Pocatello$32,207
Idaho Falls$33,691
Meridian$34,478
Coeur d'Alene$35,431
Twin Falls$32,096
Lewiston$36,598
Caldwell$34,107
Moscow$35,431
* Salary information last updated 2024

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Idaho

As a vet tech in Idaho, make sure to also check out the following resources:

  • Idaho Society of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
  • Idaho Veterinary Medical Association
  • Veterinary Career Network
  • National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
  • Vet Tech Life
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