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Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technician credentialing varies by state, with different titles (LVT, CVT, RVT), education requirements, and exam mandates. Most states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited program and passage of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
51
Total States
51
Require VTNE
12
Avg CE Hours
8
State Exam Required
Becoming a credentialed veterinary technician involves education, national and sometimes state exams, and ongoing continuing education.
Most states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. These are typically 2-year associate's degree programs covering animal anatomy, pharmacology, radiology, surgical nursing, and clinical procedures with supervised hands-on training.
The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is the standard credentialing exam in nearly every state. Some states additionally require a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering local laws and regulations governing veterinary practice.
States use different titles — Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Scope of practice varies by state but typically includes anesthesia monitoring, dental cleaning, radiography, and lab work under veterinary supervision.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | Credential | VTNE Required | Education | Fees | CE Hours | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Associate's degree or higher from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $555 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program or equivalent work experience (700 hours/year for 2 of 3 preceding years) | $755 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program or equivalent as determined by the Board | $655 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Associate's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| California(CA) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | AVMA-CVTEA accredited program, Alternate Route certificate, or out-of-state endorsement | $605 | 20 | Mar 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technology program or 6,500 hours of qualifying work experience plus passing the VTNE | $471 | 16 | Mar 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Associate's degree or higher from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $505 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of a 2-4 year AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technology program | $501 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Associate's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $525 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Associate's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $515 | 15 | Mar 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-CVTEA accredited college or technical school veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 14 | Mar 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 20 | Mar 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Associate's degree or higher from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technology program | $400 | 16 | Mar 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 20 | Mar 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $405 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $505 | 16 | Mar 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program (not state-mandated but recommended) | $355 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $471 | 15 | Mar 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $480 | 20 | Mar 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $405 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $505 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $505 | 16 | Mar 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $555 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $505 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $510 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | At least an 18-month (two academic years) diploma or degree from a veterinary technology program registered by NYSED or AVMA-CVTEA accredited | $532 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technology program | $440 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of a board-approved veterinary technology program (AVMA-accredited or AAVSB program) | $425 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program or other board-approved program | $460 | 20 | Mar 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $425 | 16 | Mar 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Registered Veterinary Medical Technician (RVMT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $555 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $475 | 15 | Mar 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $505 | 12 | Mar 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $470 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $545 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $445 | 15 | Mar 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) | Yes | Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program | $455 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
Veterinary technicians work alongside other licensed healthcare and animal care professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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See the full comparison table above for all 51 states.
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