Becoming a Veterinary Technician in South Carolina

The field of veterinary technology is growing fast across the country, making it a promising career path for job seekers. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of veterinary technician jobs was projected to grow by 29.5 percent, which is significantly faster than the projected rate of overall job growth. In the state of South Carolina, veterinary technician jobs are expected to increase even faster than that, at a rate of 30.7 percent by 2022[Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

The median annual salary for a veterinary technician in South Carolina is $36,680. While this is lower than the national median salary for vet techs, South Carolina is also more affordable than many other states. The median home price is below the national average, and the overall cost of living in South Carolina is 7.3 percent lower than average. As a result, vet techs can still earn a good living. In addition, the top earners in the field of veterinary technology in South Carolina may earn as much as $48,830 per year.

Requirements for South Carolina Veterinary Technicians

The state of South Carolina requires veterinary technicians to be licensed by the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to practice. To qualify for a license, vet techs must complete an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approved vet tech program and pass both the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and the state jurisprudence exam. If a candidate has been certified as a vet tech in another state, verification of this certification may replace the VTNE, although the candidate will still need to pass the state exam to ensure an understanding of veterinary regulations in South Carolina.

Veterinary Technician National Examination

The VTNE is a three-hour, computer-based exam that tests veterinary technician knowledge in clinical sciences, medical pharmacology and nursing, laboratory procedures, dentistry and anesthesia, imaging, surgery and animal welfare. Candidates must achieve a certain score on the test to pass. Once they have passed it, they may then apply for licensure in South Carolina.

Featured School

Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program

Penn FosterFull accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Clinical externships through a private practice near your home or Penn Foster College’s partner VCA Animal Hospitals. Gain hands-on experience alongside licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Call 1-800-851-1819 today.

AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs

Three fully accredited veterinary technician programs are available to students in South Carolina. Piedmont Technical College in Newberry offers an associate in health science degree, Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton offers an associate in applied science degree, and Trident Technical College in Moncks Corner offers an associate in allied health sciences degree. A licensed veterinary technician in South Carolina must have graduated from one of these programs.

South Carolina Veterinary Technician Major Employers

The mix of urban and rural regions in South Carolina means that a variety of veterinary technician jobs are available, ranging from small pet care to livestock care. As many as 1,690 vet techs are expected to be employed in this state by the year 2022. Some of the facilities in South Carolina in need of licensed vet techs include:

Professional Organizations

There is currently no professional organization in South Carolina specifically for veterinary technicians, although a website is under construction for the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians. In the meantime, South Carolina vet techs may join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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Veterinary Technician Schools in South Carolina

Anderson, SC Area

Tri-County Technical College

7900 U.S. Hwy 76, Pendleton, South Carolina 29670

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Tri-County Technical College is offered at their campus in Pendleton in Anderson County. The college has around 6,386 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly around $3,967 and are $5,167 and $8,815 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost in the order of $1,500, although this will depend on the program.

Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Area

Trident Technical College

7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29423-8067

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Trident Technical College is based at their campus in the city of Charleston, SC. The college has about 16,136 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $4,039 and are $4,481 and $7,645 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $2,046, although this varies from program to program.

Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC Area

Greenville Technical College

506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, South Carolina 29606

Animal Studies – Certificate Program

The Animal Studies Certificate program at Greenville Technical College is based at their campus in the city of Greenville. The majority of the school’s 12,592 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $4,224 and are $4,584 and $8,448 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,110, although this will vary with the program.

Upper Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Area

Piedmont Technical College

620 North Emerald Road, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Piedmont Technical College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is offered at their campus in the town of Greenwood. This public college has approximately 5,694 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-district students are usually about $4,049 and are $4,601 and $5,801 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost in the order of $2,000, although this varies from program to program.

* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.

Other Options

South Carolina residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of North Carolina and Georgia.