The veterinary technician program at Montana State University’s Great Falls community college has received $250,000 in federal funding.
Julie Barnwell, director of the college’s Health Sciences Division, said the grant will help the newly established program:
- Develop an online curriculum.
- Pay for initial accreditation.
- Purchase software, simulation models and online library materials.
- Attract approved veterinary training partners.
- Provide video equipment that students need to film hands-on assignments.
The money came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Students who earn a veterinary office certificate from Great Falls College can officially apply to the technician program. Currently, 26 students are enrolled in the certificate program to learn about office duties and communication skills, giving them the foundational knowledge necessary for success as credentialed veterinary technicians.
The five-semester program started its first classes this fall.
“Student feedback thus far reflects a common theme of a deeper understanding of how vital the front staff is and a new respect for the role they play within the team,” said Annie Bryan, who directs the veterinary technician program.
Technician students will take the classroom portion online and pair with approved veterinary partners for the required hands-on skills.
“We started this program when we learned from veterinary professionals about the critical shortage of licensed technicians across Montana,” Bryan said. “We now need veterinarians across the state to help us grow the next generation of veterinary technicians. This grant will allow us to help them help us in making that happen.”
In 2023, the Great Falls Development Alliance worked with Roseman University of Health Sciences to evaluate the possibility of starting a veterinary medicine school in Great Falls. The DVM school is on hold.