Frequently Asked Questions
The Questions Most Frequently Asked By Applicants
Q. Is the admission into the Veterinary Medical Technology program selective?
Yes. General admission to the college does not guarantee admission into the Veterinary Medical Technology program. We can only accept a certain number of students and we receive more applications than number of spaces available.
Q. How are applicants selected for the program?
Once an applicant has met the minimum admissions criteria of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, points are assigned to each requirement based on level of completion. Once all points are calculated, the top applicants will be offered acceptance to the program. See our sample point sheet on our Admission Requirements Page.
Q. How are points calculated?
TEAS Test – Your composite score, which is an average of an applicant’s reading, math, science and English and language usage scores, will be added to your other points on the point sheet.
Co-Requisite Courses-Points are awarded for co-requisite courses taken before applying to the program, and points are awarded for any co-requisite courses taken at Gaston College.
Observation/Volunteer Hours-Points are awarded for having volunteer or observation hours. See point sheet under Admissions Requirement tab on webpage.
Q. Will I have to receive a Rabies vaccination?
The Rabies Vaccine is required for all students. This is an AVMA requirement. You will need to provide proof of immunization record in your compliance account.
Q. Do I have to take courses as they appear in the curriculum sequence?
All of the courses that have the “VET” prefix must be taken in the sequence in which they appear. It is recommended that the student take all other courses in the semester in which they appear, unless the specific course in question is being transferred in from another college, making the student ahead of schedule instead of behind schedule.
The “VET” course sequence is designed to assure the student of graduation in a two-year period, provided the sequence is not broken. If the sequence is broken, the student will not be able to continue in the program without returning to the point at which the sequence was broken and continuing from there.
Q. What will the Vet Tech program prepare me to do?
The Veterinary Technology Curriculum prepares the graduate to assist the veterinarian in small and large animal practices, research and industry by obtaining and recording information about cases; preparing animals, instruments, equipment and medication for examination and surgery; collecting specimens; performing laboratory evaluations; applying bandages and splints; and feeding animals and maintaining proper sanitation of animals and their environment. Students also learn skills in office management, record keeping and communications.
Q. How long will it take me to complete the program? Will I have to attend classes full time?
It will take two years to complete the Veterinary Technology Program, which spans six semesters. Students who have had related courses prior to entering the program (or who are transferring courses in from another institution) will not have to repeat these courses unless the grade received was lower than a “C”. The number of courses taken ahead of time may decrease the amount of time spent in classes each semester, but will not decrease the overall span of the curriculum.
Q. Can I take the courses at night?
Currently the “VET” courses are not offered at night. Any course that does not have the “VET” prefix can be taken at night if the course is offered at night. All “VET” courses are taught during the daytime.
Q. Can I take the courses on-line?
The Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Gaston College is not an internet based program. Students must attend all classes on the Gaston College campus. The Veterinary Medical Technology Program is considered a full-time program, but offers a HyFlex option. The HyFlex option allows students the flexibility to choose to attend face-to-face, synchronous classes in-person, or complete course activities online.
Q. When will I actually begin working with animals in class?
The first “hands-on” skills courses in Veterinary Technology will begin in the first semester of the program.
Q. Will I get to work in a veterinarian’s clinic before I graduate?
Yes, each student will participate in an externship rotation during the third and sixth semesters of the program.
Q. Does the program have a uniform requirement?
Yes, students will begin wearing name pins, a uniform, and laboratory apparel beginning in the second semester of the program and will continue to do so throughout the program.
Q. What kind of job can I expect with this degree?
Graduates may work in private veterinarians’ offices, diagnostic and research laboratories, veterinary pharmaceutical and supply businesses, and other areas dealing with animal health care. For more information on the field of veterinary technology, consult the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, (NAVTA) at www.navta.net.
Q. Will I have to have a license to practice as a veterinary technician in North Carolina?
What is an “RVT”? In North Carolina, a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) must graduate from an AVMA accredited Vet Tech Program and successfully complete both national competency exam and state exam. Questions regarding NC licensure should be directed to the NC Veterinary Medical Board (919) 854-5601.
Q. Will I be able to become licensed in North Carolina if I have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
Criminal background checks are required by the Veterinary Medical Technology program for admission into the Program. A criminal history may prevent a graduate from the Veterinary Medical Technology Program from becoming licensed in the state of North Carolina as determined by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board. Please refer to the NC Veterinary Medical Board for specific requirements of licensure in the state of NC. www.NCVMB.org.
Q. What if I decide to further my education after I graduate from the Veterinary Technician program? Will I be able to transfer any of these courses?
All of the courses from Gaston College Vet Tech Program transfer to Appalachian State University if a student wishes to continue to a four-year degree once completing the AAS from Gaston. Some of the courses within the Veterinary Technology Curriculum will transfer to other four-year colleges. Only courses with a letter grade of “C” or higher can be transferred to another institution. VET courses will not transfer to schools of veterinary medicine.
Q. What is the entry level salary range for licenses veterinary technicians in this state?
As of May 2023, the salary range for Registered Veterinary Technicians is approximately $33,000 to $45,000, based on experience. Full benefit packages are usually provided. According to national surveys, salaries are increasing yearly.