Veterinary Technician Continuing Education Requirements and Opportunities

As a veterinary technician, continuing education is a crucial part of your career. Many states require veterinary technicians to complete continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure.

In the United States, the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) sets the standards for veterinary technician continuing education. These standards vary by state, but most require a certain number of hours of continuing education every year.

To stay up-to-date in the field, veterinary technicians can attend conferences, workshops, and online courses. Many veterinary schools and organizations offer these educational opportunities.

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Continuing education is a crucial part of being a Registered Veterinary Technician.

You're required to complete 16 hours of continuing education in veterinary medicine for biennial license renewal.

The next renewal date is January 1, 2026.

You can find the continuing education rules in 888 IAC 1.1-10-1 of the statutes and rules.

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To ensure your veterinary technician continuing education (CE) program is approved, it's essential to understand the process and requirements.

CE Opportunities Available Through AAVSB's RACE Program can be found on the AAVSB website, and these programs are approved for CE hours and do not require further approval from the LBVM. However, not all RACE-approved programs are available for CAETs, as they are mostly for DVMs and/or RVTs.

If you're planning to offer CE programs for veterinary technicians, you'll need to submit an application and fee to the TBVME at least 10 business days before the event. Additionally, instructors must meet specific standards, including using the same presenter, outline, and materials for repeat sessions within the same calendar year.

Here is a list of some of the CE providers that are approved for veterinary technicians:

Make sure to review the requirements for CE program approval and contact the providers listed above to ensure their programs meet your needs.

To track and record your continuing education (CE) hours, you'll need to use the LBVM License Portal. This is where you'll log in and click on the "Continuing Education" link to enter your CE activity. You'll need to add CE programs by clicking the "+ Add New" button and entering the required information, such as delivery method, title of presentation, and date of completion.

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You'll also need to upload a certificate of completion for each CE activity. If you attended a large conference with multiple presentations, you may need to upload a scanned copy of the record of personal participation sheet or the LBVM's Record for Personal Participation Form in addition to the certificate of completion.

Here are the required fields for entering CE activity:

You must maintain documentation of your CE activities for four years and provide proof if requested by TBVME investigators.

To enter in your continuing education activity, log into the LBVM License Portal and click the “Continuing Education” link in the left-hand menu, then click the “View” link for the appropriate CE period.

To add CE programs that you’ve attended, just click on the “+ Add New” button and enter the required information: Delivery Method, Title of Presentation/Seminar, Organization/Sponsor, Start Date, Date of Completion, Number of Credits, and Brief Description of CE Activity.

You must then upload the certificate of completion for the CE activity by clicking on the “Choose File” button.

Certificates of Completion from conference attendance MUST include the total number of hours a licensee earned from attendance.

For large conferences with multiple presentations, enter the conference details in the above fields, then upload either a scanned copy of the record of personal participation sheet from the conference or the LBVM’s Record for Personal Participation Form, in addition to the certificate of completion.

All CE activity must be entered in the Continuing Education section PRIOR to starting your renewal process. If you start your renewal without entering in your CE activity, you will have to back out of the renewal, then enter the CE activity, then continue with the renewal process.

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Annual CE Attestation is a crucial step in the CE process. It's where you confirm that you've completed the required CE hours.

To attest to your CE hours, you'll need to sign a statement on your license renewal form. This statement confirms that you've met the CE requirements.

If you're renewing your license online, you'll need to provide an electronic affirmation of completed CE hours. This is a straightforward way to confirm your CE completion.

Here are the key steps to follow:

As a veterinary technician, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest CE opportunities and resources.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) has a database of approved CE courses, which can be found on their website. This makes it easy to find courses that meet your state's requirements.

You can also earn CE credits by attending conferences and workshops, such as the annual American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) conference. This is a great way to network with other professionals and learn from experts in the field.

If you're looking for CE opportunities through package deals, AAVSB's RACE program offers a list of approved programs on their website. You can find them at www.aavsb.org/CE-Services/RACE/find-a-race-program.

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The RACE program is approved for CE hours and does not require further approval from the LBVM, as per Rule 403 in the LA Veterinary Practice Act.

Nearly all RACE-approved programs are only for DVMs and/or RVTs, so if you're a CAET, you won't be able to receive credit for DVM-/RVT-specific continuing education activity.

The Adaptive case study program, which includes a package on diagnosing and managing feline and canine acute kidney injury, is a great option for learners who want to progress through four levels of cases.

You can also check out the Cardiology Course Package, which includes four case studies on canine and feline cardiology, and the Veterinary Technician Package, which covers topics such as bandages, surgery preparation, and medication dosage calculation.

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If you're looking to boost your veterinary skills, the Video Library is a great place to start. It offers a comprehensive collection of instructional videos covering various topics in veterinary medicine.

The library features modules on Small Animal Bandaging, which can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. You can learn how to properly bandage wounds and stabilize injured animals.

Medical Procedures are also covered in the library, with videos demonstrating best practices for administering medications, taking vital signs, and more. These skills are essential for any veterinarian or veterinary technician.

The Physical Exam module is another valuable resource, teaching you how to conduct thorough and accurate physical exams on animals. This is a critical skill for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.

Surgical Preparation and Surgical Procedures are also covered in the library, with videos providing step-by-step guides on preparing for surgery and performing various surgical techniques. These skills are crucial for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

The library also explores Clinical Skills, including how to take medical histories, perform diagnostic tests, and interpret lab results. This is essential knowledge for any veterinary professional.

Internal Medicine, Parasitology, and Cardiology are other areas covered in the library, with videos providing in-depth information on these complex topics. These modules can help you stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in these areas.

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The Chronic Kidney Disease Case Studies Package is a valuable resource for veterinarians looking to improve their skills in diagnosing and managing feline and canine chronic kidney disease.

This adaptive case study program allows learners to progress through four levels of cases, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

The program is designed to help veterinarians develop the knowledge and expertise needed to effectively diagnose and manage chronic kidney disease in both cats and dogs.

By working through these case studies, veterinarians can improve their ability to identify key clinical signs, interpret diagnostic results, and develop treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of their patients.

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Continuing education for veterinary technicians is a requirement to stay current with the latest medical advancements and technologies. Many states require veterinary technicians to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their licensure.

Veterinary technicians can choose from a variety of continuing education courses, including online courses, workshops, and conferences. These courses cover topics such as anesthesia, radiology, and pharmacology.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) is responsible for setting the standards for veterinary technician continuing education. They require a certain number of hours of continuing education to be completed every two years.

Veterinary technicians can earn continuing education credits by attending courses, conferences, and workshops that are approved by the AAVSB.