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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary licensing requires a DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited program and passing the NAVLE exam. Jurisprudence requirements, telemedicine VCPR policies, DEA registration, and continuing education hours vary significantly by state.
51
Total States
51
Require NAVLE
39
Require Jurisprudence
25.8 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Veterinary licensing involves earning a DVM/VMD degree, passing the NAVLE, and meeting state-specific jurisprudence, VCPR, and continuing education requirements.
All veterinarians must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), a 360-question computer-based exam administered by the NBVME/ICVA. A score of 425 is required to pass. The exam covers all aspects of veterinary medicine across multiple species.
Many states require a separate jurisprudence exam covering state-specific veterinary practice laws and regulations. These exams test knowledge of controlled substance handling, record-keeping requirements, reporting obligations, and disciplinary procedures.
A valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is required before diagnosing, treating, or prescribing medication. Whether a VCPR can be established via telemedicine varies by state, with some requiring an initial in-person examination.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | Credential | NAVLE | Jurisprudence | Telemedicine VCPR | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $350 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 30 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | DVM | Yes | Yes | Yes | 20 | $400 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| California(CA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | Yes | 36 | $800 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 32 | $275 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 24 | $350 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 24 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 36 | $285 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $350 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 20 | $185 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $240 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $150 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $50 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $300 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 24 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 18 | $300 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 15 | $300 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 45 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $300 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 15 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 10 | $175 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 32 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $350 | high | Mar 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 12 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $215 | high | Mar 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 15 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| New York(NY) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 45 | $372 | high | Mar 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 24 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $300 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $150 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 24 | $160 | high | Mar 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 32 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 15 | $370 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 24 | $160 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | DVM | Yes | No | No | 24 | $175 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 15 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $250 | high | Mar 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 18 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $150 | high | Mar 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | DVM | Yes | Yes | No | 16 | $200 | high | Mar 2026 |
Veterinarians often work alongside licensed veterinary technicians. Explore related licensing requirements.
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