Great Falls College receives USDA grant to expand vet training

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Great Falls College received a $637,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to grow its veterinary assistant and veterinary technician pathways and reduce costs that can keep students from finishing training, the school announced in a release.

The money will cover travel and lodging for required boot camp courses focused on exotic and large animals, licensing exam fees, rabies vaccinations, specialized equipment and a peer mentoring program.

The college also said the grant will help students attend the annual Montana Veterinary Medical Association conference and will fund visits to veterinary partners around the state so the school can support clinical training sites.

"We are deeply grateful for this USDA investment," said Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and dean of Great Falls College. "It removes real barriers for our students and strengthens a program that serves communities across Montana. Our veterinary partners, faculty and most importantly, our students will feel the impact for years. This support helps more students stay in their hometowns, make industry connections and prepare for meaningful, high-demand careers in animal care."

Great Falls College explained that its veterinary technician program lets students complete classroom work online while doing hands-on training with approved veterinary partners in their own communities.

"Clinics across the state help our students complete their clinical training close to home, and in turn, our graduates help meet the workforce needs of Montana’s animal-care community. These enhancements make the program more accessible, more affordable and more aligned with what employers need. Students will graduate with stronger skills, more credentials and more confidence when they enter the workforce," said Julie Barnwell, director of the Health Sciences Division at Great Falls College.