LCC Veterinary Assistant Student Earns National TVMA Certification While Still in High School

By: Cailyn Kennedy

At just 18 years old, Logan Johnston of Chocowinity, North Carolina, is already building a strong foundation for his future in veterinary medicine. A senior at Southside High School and a dual-enrolled student at Beaufort Community College, Logan recently reached another major milestone: passing the Texas Veterinary Medical Association certification exam after completing Lenoir Community College’s Veterinary Assistant Program.

Logan says his journey to LCC’s Veterinary Assistant program started with a conversation at the NC FFA State Convention in 2024 with Tiffany Kennedy, LCC Sustainable Agriculture and Agriculture Education Program Chair.

“During our conversation, I told her my goal was to attend veterinary school, and she told me about the Veterinary Assistant Program at LCC,” Logan said. “Even though it was a bit of a drive, I felt it was the best fit for me.”

That drive, he says, was worth it—especially because of what set the program apart.

“In my opinion, it is one of the stronger programs available,” Logan said. “I know students who completed similar programs at other colleges but were not eligible to earn a national credential through TVMA. That was a major selling point for me.”

He also credits the program’s structure and communication for helping him stay on track.

“I appreciated the transparency of the program,” he said. “Mrs. Kennedy was always upfront with expectations and communicated clearly with us throughout the course.”

For Logan, earning the TVMA credential wasn’t just about adding a line to a resume, it was about taking meaningful steps toward a long-term goal.

“The TVMA credential was important because it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the veterinary field while continuing my education,” he explained. “I believe earning this national certification strengthens my experience and will help make me a more competitive applicant for veterinary school.”

The impact of the program is already showing up in Logan’s day-to-day work. He says the class helped him successfully move into a higher role at Pamlico Animal Hospital, transitioning from Kennel Assistant to Veterinary Assistant.

“It gave me a strong foundation in veterinary terminology and standard operating procedures,” Logan said. “That allowed me to step into my new role with confidence and a better understanding of how a clinic operates.”

When asked what he enjoyed most, Logan didn’t hesitate to highlight the hands-on learning, but he also discovered an unexpected favorite.

“I really enjoyed the hands-on experience,” he said, “but I was surprised by how much I liked the terminology portion of the class. Mrs. Kennedy had a way of making it engaging and enjoyable, which helped everything stick.”

Because of that experience, Logan says he’s now more confident in clinical conversations and in the workplace overall.

“I now have the background knowledge to understand what’s being discussed in the clinic and feel confident communicating with the veterinarian I work for,” he added.

Looking ahead, Logan’s plans are ambitious and clear: finish high school and his community college degrees, then pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science before applying to veterinary school. He’s still exploring which area of medicine feels like the best fit.

“I’m still deciding between companion animal and large animal medicine,” he said, “but I also have a strong interest in emergency veterinary medicine.”

And for other students thinking about following a similar path, Logan keeps the message simple:

“You won’t regret it,” he said. “The program gives you hands-on experience, strong foundational knowledge, and the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized TVMA credential, which really sets you apart.”