
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a veterinary technician in North Carolina, there are several programs to choose from.
The North Carolina Board of Veterinary Examiners requires veterinary technician programs to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
To become a licensed veterinary technician in North Carolina, you'll need to complete an accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
The state's veterinary technician programs typically take two years to complete and lead to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
A fresh viewpoint: Veterinary Technician Salary South Carolina
Becoming a Veterinary Technician
Becoming a veterinary technician in North Carolina requires a specific path. To start, you'll need to graduate from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This ensures that you receive quality education and training in the field.
The AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) is the primary accrediting body for veterinary technician programs in the US. They evaluate programs based on factors like facilities, student resources, and admissions standards.
Here's an interesting read: Veterinary Technician Online Continuing Education
To become a licensed veterinary technician in North Carolina, you'll need to pass the North Carolina Veterinary Technician State Exam. This exam is administered by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) and tests your knowledge of concepts like diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, and laboratory procedures.
The North Carolina Veterinary Technician State Exam consists of 50 questions and must be completed within 30 minutes. You'll need to score at least 75 to pass. This exam is a crucial step in becoming a licensed veterinary technician in the state.
Here are the key steps to becoming a veterinary technician in North Carolina:
- Graduate from a program accredited by the AVMA
- Pass the North Carolina Veterinary Technician State Exam
- Apply for licensure through the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB)
By following these steps, you can start your career as a veterinary technician in North Carolina.
Vet Tech Programs in NC
If you're looking to become a veterinary technician in North Carolina, you'll need to graduate from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs are accredited by the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), which ensures quality control of teaching and practice throughout the country.
There are several accredited veterinary technician programs in North Carolina, including the ones offered by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Nash Community College, Cape Fear Community College, and Gaston College. These programs can be completed in 2 years and qualify students for an associate of applied science degree.
You'll need to apply for licensure through the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) and pass the North Carolina Veterinary Technician State Exam after fulfilling all the licensure prerequisites. This exam is offered three times annually and comprises 50 questions based on the "Practice Act", the general rules governing veterinary medicine in the state.
Here are some of the top veterinary technician schools in North Carolina:
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- Central Carolina Community College
- Nash Community College
- Cape Fear Community College
- Gaston College
Each of these schools offers a comprehensive veterinary technology program that includes coursework in animal physiology, anatomy, laboratory techniques, and veterinary pharmacology.
Job and Career Information
The job market for veterinary technicians is growing rapidly in North Carolina. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects vet tech openings nationwide to swell 21 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations during that time.
You can expect a wide range of job opportunities, from hospital settings to clinical laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry. Projections Central found that openings for veterinary technicians and technologists are expected to increase at a much higher rate in NC than nationally: 24.1 percent between 2020 and 2030.
Veterinary technicians in North Carolina earn an annual salary close to the national average of $32,782. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and specialization.
Here are some high-paying cities for veterinary technicians in North Carolina:
- Matthews - $38,069
- Charlotte - $35,575
- Chapel Hill - $34,102
- Wilmington - $31,830
- Raleigh - $31,712
With an average of three job offers upon graduation, our graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of these growing job opportunities.
Licensure & Certification Requirements
To become a licensed veterinary technician in North Carolina, you'll need to pass the state exam. The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) offers the exam six times a year.
To be eligible for the exam, you'll need to graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited program. These programs must meet certain criteria, including having a good organizational structure and access to quality facilities and equipment.
Broaden your view: Pima Medical Institute Veterinary Technician
Once you've graduated, you'll need to submit an application to the NCVMB, along with a copy of your social security card, official transcripts, VTNE scores, and an application fee. You'll also need to renew your license every two years by completing 12 hours of continued education, with only three hours allowed to be online coursework.
Here are the application materials you'll need to submit to the NCVMB:
- Application
- Copy of social security card
- Official transcripts
- VTNE Scores
- Application fee
The state exam itself consists of 50 questions and requires a 75% passing score.
Accreditation and Licensing Requirements
To become a veterinary technician in North Carolina, you'll need to enroll in a program that's accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA CVTEA). This organization uses a comprehensive set of criteria to ensure quality control among vet tech programs.
These criteria include school accreditation through other agencies, institutional finances, organization and communications, facilities and equipment, clinical instruction resources, library and informational materials, admissions, faculty and staff, curriculum, and student outcomes. Graduating from an AVMA-accredited program is a prerequisite for taking both the national and state veterinary technician exams in North Carolina.
For your interest: Veterinary Technician Schools in South Carolina
To practice as a vet tech in NC, you'll need to be licensed as a registered veterinary technician (RVT). The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) lists the application materials to register for the state exam, including an application, copy of social security card, official transcripts, VTNE Scores, and application fee.
The state exam is offered six times per year, and upon completing it, you'll be awarded the North Carolina veterinary technician licensure. To keep your license current, you'll need to renew it every two years after completing 12 hours of continued education (CE), with only three hours coming from online coursework.
Here's a breakdown of the application materials for the state exam:
- Application
- Copy of social security card
- Official transcripts
- VTNE Scores
- Application fee
Salary and Benefits
As a veterinary technician, you can expect a competitive salary in North Carolina. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average salary for veterinary technicians in the state is $44,580.
North Carolina is also a relatively affordable state, with the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center ranking it as the 26th most affordable state nationwide.
While salary averages and percentiles for NC vet techs are generally close to national figures, there can be significant variation based on data source. For example, Indeed reported an average annual salary of $33,885 among NC veterinary technicians.
Experience and specialization can also impact salary. Those who optimize these factors can earn as high as $44,930 in annual average salary.
Here's a breakdown of average salaries for veterinary technicians in different locations within North Carolina:
Keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific location within the state.
Featured Images: pexels.com


