North Carolina’s veterinary technicians have an important reason to celebrate.
On July 3, 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed into law House Bill 763, the Neighbor State License Recognition Act. The new law is designed to make it easier for professionals in many fields who move from neighboring states—Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia—to obtain a North Carolina license. Importantly, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) were specifically excluded from this reciprocity, ensuring that the high standards for veterinary technician credentialing in North Carolina remain intact.
How It Happened
The North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians (NCAVT) Executive Board worked closely with the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA) to advocate for this outcome. Without this exemption, individuals from outside the state could have been granted registration as veterinary technicians without completing all of North Carolina’s requirements, including the jurisprudence exam, and without demonstrating alignment with AVMA-accredited education and VTNE standards.
Through coordinated advocacy and testimony before the Senate Committee on Regulatory Reform, NCAVT and its partners emphasized the importance of protecting public safety, maintaining patient care standards, and upholding the integrity of the RVT title. Their efforts made it clear that reducing standards for workforce mobility in this profession would place animals, clients, and the profession at risk.
Why It Matters
- Preserves Standards of Care: Neighboring states vary in their requirements for veterinary technician education, training, and examination. North Carolina’s exemption ensures that only those meeting the full standards can hold the RVT credential here.
- Safeguards the Credential: Protecting the RVT title from diluted entry requirements helps maintain trust in the profession and respect for those who have earned it.
- Supports Broader Professional Goals: NAVTA and state associations across the country have long called for consistent national standards. This decision aligns North Carolina with that ongoing effort.
Moving Forward
House Bill 763 takes effect October 1, 2025. While the law will streamline licensing for many professions, the decision to exclude RVTs is a deliberate and forward-thinking step to preserve the strength of our credentials.
This is a significant win for veterinary technicians in North Carolina and a reminder of the power of collaborative advocacy. NCAVT remains committed to representing credentialed technicians and advancing recognition of the profession at every level.
Lauren S Poston, BS, RVT
NCAVT – NAVTA Representative