LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Every state regulates veterinary technicians differently, however, all states require them to pass a credentialing exam following course studies. Licensing, certification, and registration requirements generally include graduation from an accredited veterinary technician program, clinical work experience, and satisfactory completion of an examination that includes oral, written, and practical portions. This process is regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners, or other appropriate state agency. Most states, however, use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam sponsored by the Association of Veterinary State Boards.

For those seeking employment in a research facility, employers also recommend certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Certification is offered for three levels of technician competence:

1. Animal Laboratory Assistant Technician (ALAT)
2. Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
3. Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)

Candidates must satisfy a combination of education and experience requirements, and pass an examination.

Many additional organizations, such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, also offer continuing education programs, employment services, as well as networking and other professional services. Other groups include the Academy of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Technicians, the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, and the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians.

The American Veterinary Medical Association site www.avma.org states that there are at least four specialty areas within the Veterinary Technology field.

   1. Emergency Critical Care Technicians www.avta-vts.org
   2. Veterinary Technician Anesthetists www.avta-vts.org
   3. Veterinary Dental Technicians www.avdt.us
   4. Veterinary Behavior Technicians www.svbt.org

Specialty licenses are available to licensed technicians in the field with 5 years of experience in the area of specialty and after passing a separate licensing exam.

Next: Personal Qualifications