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| What is a Veterinary Technician? |
| To meet the technical demands of an expanding veterinary profession and a more mobile population, formal academic programs started appearing in the 1960s. Today there are over 80 veterinary technology programs in the United States that educate veterinary technicians. In order to maintain a standard of excellence, the American Veterinary Medical Association accredits these programs. The course of study in the NC programs entails at least two academic years, leading to an Associate of Science. Candidates are tested for competency through written state and national board examinations. The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board regulates this process and is responsible for the renewal procedure every two years. The North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act defines the responsibilities of the veterinary technician within veterinary medicine and private practice. These responsibilities and duties are dependent in part on the type of employment the individual chooses. Examples of the areas of responsibility qualified veterinary technicians may assume include: |
| In addition to many of the above areas of responsibility, veterinary technicians in research may also: supervise the operation of research colonies and facilities, perform surgery, and assist in the design and implementation of research projects. |
| Career Opportunities The first job for the majority of graduate veterinary technicians is in a private veterinary practice, with companion animal practice leading the list. However, the demand for veterinary technicians in other fields is rapidly growing. These responsibilities and duties are dependent in part on the type of employment the individual chooses. Opportunities exist in the following areas |
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| Zoo Medicine |
| Academics |
| Clinical Pathology |
| Dentristy |
| Husbandry |
| Biomedical Research |
| Client Relations |
| Diagnostic Lab Procedures |
| Administer and Dispense Medications Perscribed by DVM |
| Anesthesiology |
| Emergency, Intensive, and Basic Nursing |
| Radiology |
| Office/Hospital Management and Administration |
| Animal Restraint and Handling |
| Herd Health Management |
| Veterinary Supplies and Sales |
| Public Education |
| Surgical Assistant |
| Grief Management |
| Nutritional Management |
| Private Industry |
| Diagnostic Laboritories |
| Biomedical Research |
| Military Service |
| Wildlife Medicine |
| Humane Societies |