How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Idaho

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.

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.

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.

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