How to Become a Vet Tech in North Carolina
Animal lovers searching for careers should consider becoming veterinary technicians. Veterinary technicians are similar to registered nurses for people. The veterinary technician works under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. Veterinary technicians are not allowed to diagnose or prescribe medicine. Veterinary technicians may assist in surgery, treat minor wounds, take animal history and prepare medicine. In North Carolina, a veterinary technician must register with the state.
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Instructions
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Work at a veterinary clinic, zoo or animal shelter. Before you commit time and money to college try find out if you would like working as a veterinary technician. If possible ask a veterinary technician if you could job shadow for a few days. Following a vet tech will give you an overview of what a vet tech does and whether this is a job that interests you. The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (see Resources) maintains an online career center that lists available jobs in the veterinary field.
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Enroll in an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program. Most veterinary technician programs are two-year degrees. In North Carolina some community colleges have accredited programs. Central Carolina Community College in Sanford and Gaston College in Dallas offer a veterinary technician program that result in an associate’s degree in applied sciences. Ashville-Buncombe Technological College offers an accredited program also.
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Take and pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam. To be registered in North Carolina, a veterinary technician must pass the national exam.
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Pass the North Carolina State Exam. This exam is based on North Carolina Veterinary rules and law. An individual who passes both exams will be registered as a veterinary technician in North Carolina.
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