How to Secure a Veterinary Partner
Resources
Students can download and print/email the above resource flyer when approaching potential veterinary partners.
ensure you have an approved Great Falls College Veterinary Partner to complete your hands-on clinical skills.
A Veterinary Partner serves as your primary learning site, where you will complete hands-on clinical skills under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician. Before submitting your application, you must confirm that you have an approved Great Falls College Veterinary Partner.
Secure a Veterinary Partner
Veterinary Partner Application Requirements:
Securing a Great Falls College approved Veterinary Partner is a required step in the application process for Great Falls College’s Online Veterinary Technology Program, and proof of approval must be submitted with your application. This ensures that your selected veterinary facility meets the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines, essential for maintaining our program accreditation and providing you with high-quality, hands-on clinical training.
Your Veterinary Partner will serve as your primary clinical training site, where you will complete essential skills under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician. The veterinary facility must meet minimum standards for hospital setup, staff qualifications, equipment availability, and the scope of veterinary services provided. These requirements ensure you gain experience in high-quality veterinary medical practices and procedures.
Important Note: Exotic and Laboratory Animal Skills Requirements
While your veterinary partner will support your training in companion animals, large animals, and general veterinary procedures, they are unlikely to provide the essential skills training the program requires for exotic and laboratory animals. To fulfill this requirement, all students must travel to Preston, ID, during the fall semester of their second year for a three-day Exotic & Lab Clinical Skills session. This trip consists of one day of travel to Preston, one full day of hands-on clinical skills training, and one day for the return trip. Students are responsible for travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals. More details on scheduling and preparation will be provided as you progress through the program.
Steps for Securing a Veterinary Partner
Students have three options for securing a Veterinary Partner: partnering with an existing Great Falls College approved facility, finding a local veterinary practice that has not previously participated or working with a Veterinary Partner outside their local area. Below are the steps to follow for each option.
Option 1: Partner with an Existing Approved Veterinary Partner
Option 1: Partner with an Existing Approved Veterinary Partner
Great Falls College has established relationships with veterinary practices across the state. If you know or suspect that a local veterinary practice is already an approved Veterinary Partner, this may be the easiest path for securing your clinical training site.
Steps to Follow:
- Request More Information—To find an approved veterinary partner in your area that is accepting students, email [email protected].
- Confirm Availability – Veterinary facilities can only take a limited number of students at a time. Do not assume you will automatically be accepted. Check with the clinic to confirm availability.
- Prepare for a Formal Meeting—Some Veterinary Partners require an interview or formal meeting before agreeing to work with a student. Be prepared to discuss your goals and availability.
- Check for Skill Limitations – Some approved partners may not be able to cover all essential skills, meaning you may need additional partners or travel to other locations to complete your clinical training.
- Check your email regularly for follow-up communication from [email protected]. You may be contacted regarding availability and next steps.
Option 2: Partner with a Local Vet That Has Never Been a Veterinary Partner Before
Option 2: Partner with a Local Vet That Has Never Been a Veterinary Partner Before
Suppose you are unable to find an existing approved veterinary partner. In that case, you must contact local veterinary clinics to find one willing to support your training. You are responsible for introducing the program to the clinic and helping them understand the requirements for becoming an approved Veterinary Partner.
Steps to Follow:
- Identify Local Veterinary Clinics – List potential veterinary practices in your area.
- Call Ahead – Contact the practice owner, hospital administrator, or practice manager to request a meeting.
- Set Up an In-Person Meeting – If they are open to the idea, schedule a meeting to discuss the partnership.
What to Bring to Your Meeting:
- A printed QR code or email link to direct the clinic to the Veterinary Partner Information & Application Page.
- A professional attitude and clear explanation of your educational goals.
- A basic understanding of a Veterinary Partner so you can answer any initial questions.
Dos & Don’ts When Approaching a New Veterinary Partner
Dos:
- Call ahead to schedule a time to speak with the practice manager or owner. If you have called three times and received no response, assume they are too busy and move on.
- Be on time and bring the QR code or email link to the Veterinary Partner page.
- Explain your career goals and why you need a Veterinary Partner.
- Dress professionally (clean, business-casual attire; no sweats, leggings, or scrubs).
- Follow up once a week if they express interest, but limit yourself to three follow-ups before moving on.
Don’ts:
- Do not show up unannounced. This can disrupt a busy practice.
- Do not dress unprofessionally—this clinic could be a future employer.
- Do not be late for your scheduled meeting.
Keep in mind: Some Veterinary Partners may not be able to cover all essential skills, meaning you may need to secure additional partners or travel to another clinic to complete your training.
Option 3: Working with a Veterinary Partner Outside of Your Local Area
Option 3: Working with a Veterinary Partner Outside of Your Local Area
If you cannot secure a local Veterinary Partner, other approved partners in different regions may be willing to take students. This option may require frequent travel or temporary relocation, but it can provide an opportunity to work with a well-established approved Veterinary Partner.
Steps to Follow:
- Contact the Vet Tech Program Office – If you are considering this option, reach out for assistance in identifying an approved Veterinary Partner in another location.
- Submit an Interest Form – Click here to complete the Vet Partner Interest Form and explore potential out-of-area partner options.
- Plan for Travel & Housing – If an approved partner is available, be prepared for frequent travel or temporary relocation to complete your required training.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance securing a Veterinary Partner, please contact:
- Your Vet Office Course Instructor
- Vet Tech Program Director
- Email: [email protected]
Securing an approved Veterinary Partner is a required step in the application process, so start early and follow these steps carefully to ensure you can submit a complete application.
