How to become a Vet Tech in NC
If you wish to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in North Carolina (NC) it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited vet tech program.
Below you will find information on the top accredited vet tech schools near you in NC.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams administered by the American Association of Veterinary if you wish to work as a vet tech in the state. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Top Vet Tech Schools in NC
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Central Carolina Community College | Sanford, NC | Associate of Applied Science |
| Gaston College | Dallas, NC | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 2 accredited vet tech schools in North Carolina.
Vet tech schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
NC Vet Tech License
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Phone: 919-854-5601
Email: janice@ncvmb.org
Website: http://www.ncvmb.org/webPracticeAct2.htm
Vet Tech Salary in NC
| Average Vet Tech Salary in NC | $31,350 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $15.07 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $39,880 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $22,210 |
| #'s Employed | 3,340 |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in North Carolina is $31,350 – 10% below the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $15.07.
There are currently 3,340 persons employed as veterinary technicians in North Carolina.
NC Vet Tech Careers by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in North Carolina strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in North Carolina.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | $32,740 | $40,540 | $24,990 | 290 |
| Burlington, NC | $30,240 | $41,260 | $25,170 | - |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC | $31,700 | $38,870 | $24,010 | 720 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $33,180 | $42,180 | $25,730 | 170 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $26,810 | $32,740 | $18,200 | 80 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $32,770 | $47,110 | $25,000 | - |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $30,550 | $42,860 | $21,290 | 100 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $27,810 | $37,280 | $19,980 | - |
| Raleigh, NC | $33,100 | $40,500 | $24,100 | - |
| Wilmington, NC | $27,870 | $34,270 | $21,950 | 190 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $29,850 | $39,320 | $21,280 | 240 |
Vet Tech Related Careers Comparison in NC
Is vet tech a good career in NC? How does vet tech fair as a career by comparison to other career options in NC? For answers to these questions see the tables below for career comparisons.
Veterinary Careers
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in North Carolina.
| Vet Careers NC | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,350 | 3,340 |
| Veterinarian | $104,590 | 2,880 |
| Vet Assistant | $27,910 | 3,270 |
Similar Healthcare Careers
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in North Carolina with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers NC | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,350 | 3,340 |
| Medical Assistants | $32,110 | 17,190 |
| Nursing Assistants | $24,680 | 62,820 |
| Dental Assistants | $41,130 | 8,960 |
| X Ray Tech | $65,690 | 870 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $65,770 | 1,940 |