New to the CVM Family: Meet Candice Tart

Candice Tart moved to Raleigh from Godwin, N.C., to complete her technician training and never left. As a surgery and sterile processing technician in the NC State Veterinary Hospital, she is excited to bring her skills back to an academic setting.

A scholar at heart, Tart loves to learn new things, especially when it comes to surgery and animals.

What made you want to go into veterinary medicine?

I wanted to be in this field to help others. I enjoy educating clients and helping them improve the longevity of their pets’ lives. Coming from a rural area, I have seen a lot of heartworm disease, which is so simple to prevent. It starts with a conversation.

What will you be doing in your new role?

I attend to the needs of the surgeons as they perform surgery. I help them prepare by setting up the room and their table. I am also there to hand instruments to surgeons as needed in a sterile field.

For the sterile processing part of my role, I clean, sterilize and package instruments in the correct packs to make sure that the operating room is fully stocked with supplies for staff and surgeons.

What are you most excited about in your new role?

I am excited about all the new people I am meeting.

What is your background?

I graduated from the veterinary technology program at Miller-Motte College in Raleigh. After graduation, I worked in general practice for three years at the Carolina Ranch Animal Hospital and Resort as the lead surgery technician.

What’s something someone would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an advocate for mental health.

When you’re not on campus, where could we find you?

I am usually at home with my animals or out gardening. I enjoy spending a lot of time outside whether it be hiking, fishing or riding horses.

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs: Diesel, a 7-year-old brindle boxer, and Timmy, a 2-year-old apricot goldendoodle that we recently adopted from a bad situation.

I also have 13 chickens and a rooster of varying breeds, whom I adore, a rabbit named Willow and a quarter horse named MoneyMann who I trail ride and barrel race from time to time.

Visit the NC State Veterinay Hospital page for more information about our services for companion animals.