License GuideSOC 29-2056

Veterinary Technician
License.

A veterinary laboratory technician performs diagnostic tests on animal samples in a clinical setting. They prepare blood and tissue specimens, conduct urinalysis and blood counts, and manufacture vaccines and serums to prevent disease. Day-to-day work includes sterilizing instruments, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting test results. They may also assist veterinarians during surgical procedures. This role directly supports animal treatment and diagnosis.

At a Glance

Everything a Veterinary Technician needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed veterinary technicians are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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A veterinary laboratory technician performs diagnostic tests on animal samples in a clinical setting. They prepare blood and tissue specimens, conduct urinalysis and blood counts, and manufacture vaccines and serums to prevent disease. Day-to-day work includes sterilizing instruments, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting test results. They may also assist veterinarians during surgical procedures. This role directly supports animal treatment and diagnosis.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

The national board exam for veterinary technicians is the uniform test most states accept. Many states add a jurisprudence exam on state statute.

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You'll take a veterinary technician exam split into two parts. The national section covers core veterinary knowledge and appears on most state exams. The state-law section tests your knowledge of local regulations specific to where you're licensed. Major testing companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, and Prometric administer these exams in most states. You can schedule your test at their testing centers. Each section has its own pass threshold, and you need to meet both to earn your license.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in every state. Most boards require a mix of general CE and topic-specific units like ethics, patient safety, or opioid prescribing.

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Veterinary technician CE requirements differ by state. Your renewal cycle typically requires a set number of hours. Most states mandate courses in ethics and state law. Check your state board's specific requirements before your renewal deadline.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the veterinary technician role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

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You'll need steady hands and the ability to stay calm when animals are stressed or injured. You take direction well but also think independently when protocols need adjustment. Communication matters most when explaining procedures to nervous pet owners or coordinating with veterinarians during surgery. You notice details others miss and document findings accurately. The work demands physical stamina and comfort handling animals that may bite, scratch, or resist. Your patience wears well during long days. You care about outcomes more than recognition.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a veterinary technician without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

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Practicing as a veterinary technician without an active license violates state law across the country. Unlicensed practitioners face civil fines and must forfeit any income earned from illegal work. States may impose criminal penalties for repeat offenses, ranging from short jail sentences to additional fines. The specific consequences vary by state and offense history.

Career Outlook
+9.5% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034. Flagged as a bright-outlook occupation.

The Path

How to Get a Veterinary Technician License.

You'll follow a similar path across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience under an established professional. A background check comes next. After you're licensed, you'll need continuing education hours before each renewal. The exact requirements shift by state, education hours, degree levels, and experience minimums all differ. Check your state's board to confirm what applies to you.

1
Meet minimum education
Most states require graduation from an accredited veterinary technician program. Degree level and accreditation body vary by profession.
2
Complete supervised clinical hours
Boards set required supervised practice hours under a licensed supervisor. Hours are logged, verified, and submitted with your application.
3
Pass the national board exam
The national certification exam for veterinary technicians is the uniform knowledge test most states accept. Some states add a jurisprudence exam on local statute.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Required education
Degree program at an accredited institution. Varies massively by degree level.
$30,000 to $250,000
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required or strongly recommended in most states.
$300 to $2,500
DEA registration
Federal fee, three-year term. Required only for prescribers.
$0 to $900
Compensation

What Veterinary Technicians Earn.

National hourly wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$15.44/hr
25th percentile
$17.97/hr
Median
$22.11/hr
75th percentile
$24.50/hr
Top 10%
$29.27/hr
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Veterinary Technician license is active.

Core
Certified Farrier
American Farrier's Association
Specialty
Certified Journeyman Farriers - Therapeutic Endorsement
American Farrier's Association
Specialty
Veterinary Internal Medicine Technician - Large Animal Internal Medicine
Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
Specialty
Veterinary Internal Medicine Technician - Small Animal Internal Medicine
Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
Advanced
Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Phase II
American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Core
Laboratory Animal Technician
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Specialty
Certificate in Oncology
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Core
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
International Council for Veterinary Assessment
Specialty
Certificate in Cardiology
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Advanced
Certified Tradesman Farrier
American Farrier's Association
Advanced
Certified Journeyman Farrier
American Farrier's Association
Core
Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
Varies
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Exam fee
Varies
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License fee
Varies
Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medicine Examiners
Issuing board
Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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