North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians
The Veterinary Support Staff Team
The titles of each of the Veterinary Team members is often unfamiliar and can be confusing. Below are the titles and descriptions of each of the team.
Veterinary Technician
A person that is a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program of veterinary medical technology, passed both their Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), and NC State Exam, is in good standing with the state, and is registered with the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) as a Veterinary Technician.
The title of Technician is only designated to a person who has completed the above steps.
Each state has their own designation for Technicians (RVT, LVT, or CVT). Each of these Technicians (RVT, LVT, CVT) have taken the proper steps to become a Technician. If a Technician moves to NC, they must pass the state exam in order to be recognized as a Technician in the state of NC.
A Veterinary Technician can collect blood and specimens, test for intestinal parasites and heartworms, conduct laboratory tests, take radiographs, clean and polish teeth, and administer vaccines, including the rabies vaccine. In addition, the Veterinary Technician may assist Veterinarians in diagnosis, laboratory analysis, anesthesia, and surgical procedures.
In the state of North Carolina, Veterinary Technicians cannot diagnose, prescribe, or perform any act that produces an irreversible change in an animal (including tooth extractions or floating teeth).
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Please be Aware
The North Carolina General Statute reserves the term Veterinary Technician or Registered Veterinary Technician for an individual who has met the requirements as stated in the Veterinary Practice Act, who is registered with the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board and maintains that registration. To directly or indirectly imply such is a misrepresentation to the public.
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Veterinary Assistant
A person that has been trained on-the-job or has attended a Veterinary Assistant program and received their degree as an Assistant.
Under the direct supersvision of a veterinarian, the Assistant can collect blood and specimens, test for intestinal parasites and heartworms, conduct laboratory tests, take radiographs, and clean and polish teeth.
Kennel Assistant/Animal Care Assistant
A person whose main responsibility is to keep the hospital environment at a level of cleanliness suitable for a medical facility, maintaining the appearance of the hospital, inside and out. In addition they also care for boarding patients, administer baths, wash dishes, perform laundry duties, and provide support to the medical and administrative staff as needed.
Receptionist
A person that is the face of the clinic- the first voice the client hears and the first face they see greeting them. They possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, experience with computers, and have the ability to multitask. They also tend to educate clients, provide information, schedule appointments, set up and settle invoices, help clients carry purchases outside, and keep the waiting area clean.