Veterinary Technician License Requirements

Veterinary technicians provide direct nursing care to pets, collect blood samples and conduct laboratory tests, and assist the veterinarian during exams and surgery. All states require some type of official credentialing, and for some, this involves obtaining a license.

Credentialing

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America uses the umbrella term "credentialing" to cover certification, registration and licensing, since the requirement varies by state. The activities for each typically are very similar.

Education

To become a licensed veterinary technician, an individual nearly always must obtain a two-year associate degree from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Exams

Successfully completing this education allows the new technician to apply to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam, administered twice a year. Some states require a separate state exam for licensing as well.

Additional Requirements

States may have other requirements. New York, for instance, specifies that the individual must be "of good moral character." States typically require that a licensed veterinary technician also must be a United States citizen or an immigrant admitted for permanent residence.

State Reciprocity

States may accept a license from another state, although there may be additional requirements such as two years of work experience in the field.