THREE FORKS – Blackie the horse laid on his back, belly exposed and hooves pointed skyward, as a crane lifted the 1,120 pound animal onto the operating table.
The demand for veterinary technicians to work in the field of animal care is expected to grow by as much as 20 percent in the next 10 years, creating opportunity
June 01, 2021 By
Published on May 12, 2021
After years of work by local veterinary technicians, the Montana legislature passed a bill establishing licensing and qualifications for their profession in the state. The state was one of only a handful of remaining states that does not require credentialing for veterinary technicians.
The bill, SB 106, creates qualifications for veterinary technicians under the Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine, outlines a scope of practice for veterinary technicians, and penalizes an individual for falsely claiming to be licensed. It also adds a member to the veterinary board to represent licensed veterinary technicians. The bill awaited Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature as of press time in early May; if signed, it goes into effect at the beginning of 2023.