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How to become a licensed vet tech in New York. Credential: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). VTNE required. Education: At least an 18-month (two academic years) diploma or degree from a veterinary technology program registered by NYSED or AVMA-CVTEA accredited. Total initial fees: $532. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Veterinary Technician
Governing Authority
New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions
Official website →Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Credential Title
Yes
VTNE Required
At least an 18-month (two academic years) diploma or degree from a veterinary technology program registered by NYSED or AVMA-CVTEA accredited
Education
$532
Total Initial Fees
12 hrs
CE Hours
4 listed
Specialties (VTS)
Education & Training
VerifiedAt least an 18-month (two academic years) diploma or degree from a veterinary technology program registered by NYSED or AVMA-CVTEA accredited
Degree Required
Required
AVMA Accredited
Included in AVMA-accredited program curriculum
Clinical Hours
2 years
Program Length
Find Approved Programs
View AVMA-accredited programs →Veterinary technician programs must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Programs typically include coursework in animal anatomy, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and supervised clinical experience.
Title
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Education
At least an 18-month (two academic years) diploma or degree from a veterinary technology program registered by NYSED or AVMA-CVTEA accredited
Exam Required
Yes
Scope
Performs veterinary nursing tasks under supervision of a licensed veterinarian including anesthesia monitoring, dental procedures, radiography, laboratory work, and medication administration
Title
Veterinary Assistant
Education
No formal education required; on-the-job training
Exam Required
No
Scope
Performs basic animal care tasks under direct supervision; cannot perform technical procedures reserved for credentialed veterinary technicians
National Exam (VTNE)
VerifiedRequired
VTNE
Not Required
State Jurisprudence Exam
VTNE Exam Details
VTNE
Exam Name
170
Questions
210 min
Time Limit
425
Passing Score
VTNE Exam Fee
$355
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake the VTNE up to 5 times. A 90-day waiting period is required between attempts.
Authorized Tasks & Procedures
VerifiedAnesthesia Monitoring
Dental Cleaning
Radiography
Lab Work
Medication Administration
Euthanasia
Permitted under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian
Additional Authorized Tasks
Scope of practice for veterinary technicians varies by state. Tasks must generally be performed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Some states have specific restrictions on procedures like euthanasia and surgery.
Veterinarian Supervision
VerifiedDirect supervision by a licensed veterinarian
Supervision Type
Required
Supervising Veterinarian
Supervision Details
New York requires credentialed veterinary technicians to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The level of supervision varies by procedure, with higher-risk procedures generally requiring direct supervision.
Veterinary technicians must work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The level of supervision (direct, indirect, or immediate) varies by state and by the specific procedure being performed.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $177 |
VTNE Exam Fee | $355 |
State License Fee | $177 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees | $532 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (triennial)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Veterinary technician licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering topics such as pharmacology, anesthesia, animal welfare, and professional ethics.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
VTNE Score Accepted for Transfer
Reciprocity Type
VTNE-based endorsement with NYSED evaluation
Transfer Details
New York accepts out-of-state vet techs who have passed the VTNE and whose education meets NYSED requirements. Limited permits available while applications are processed.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states accept the VTNE for interstate credential transfer, but may require additional state-specific jurisprudence exams, background checks, or proof of education from an AVMA-accredited program.
New York is distinctive in licensing vet techs through the State Education Department rather than a veterinary medical board. The state has a 3-year triennial renewal cycle and requires 2 hours of CE specifically on controlled substances. Limited permits are available during the application process.
New York uses the LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician) credential.
Licensing is through the New York State Education Department, not a veterinary board.
12 CE hours per triennial cycle, including 2 hours on controlled substances.
Limited permits ($50) available while applications are processed.
New York has a triennial (3-year) renewal cycle.
Credentialed veterinary technicians may pursue specialty certifications through recognized academies.
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (VTS (ECC))
Specialization in emergency medicine and critical care nursing
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia (VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia))
Specialization in veterinary anesthesia and pain management
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry (VTS (Dentistry))
Specialization in veterinary dental procedures and care
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Internal Medicine (VTS (Internal Medicine))
Specialization in internal medicine diagnostics and treatment
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#2 of 51
Cost
#44 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2056)
Entry Level
$48,830
25th percentile
Median
$58,830
+28% vs. national avg ($45,980)Experienced
$64,400
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,480 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+12.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+15,600
over 10 years
Annual Openings
14,200
per year (avg.)
126,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Veterinary Career Ladder+123% salary growth potential
You are here
Veterinary Technician
$58,830
Associate degree in vet tech + VTNE
You are here
Veterinary Technician
Associate degree in vet tech + VTNE
$58,830
DVM degree (4 years) + NAVLE
$131,330
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the VTNE certification exam.
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VTNE prep tips, AVMA-accredited programs, state-by-state requirements, and career advancement resources for veterinary technicians.
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New York credentials veterinary technicians as “Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)”. The VTNE is required. Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program is required. All credentialing is managed through the New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state veterinary board.