Veterinary Technicians

Minnesota Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) Program – 2026 Transition Guide

Overview

Beginning July 1, 2026, anyone using the title “veterinary technician” in Minnesota must be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine. Under Minnesota Statutes §156.077, a person may not use the title “veterinary technician” or the abbreviation “LVT” unless licensed by the Board.

Licensure Components

Individuals seeking LVT licensure will complete the following steps:

1. Submit your application (All applications must be submitted under your full legal name)

• including (if applicable) proof of education, VTNE scores, and affidavits
• Applicants who have held an occupational license or registration in another state, territory, or province must request a letter of good standing from their governing board be sent to us to confirm they have no past or current disciplinary actions.

2. Pay the required fees through the online portal. All payments must be in U.S. funds and are non-refundable. 

    Application Fee: $75

    Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $75

    Initial 2-year License Fee: $100

    Criminal Background Check Fee: $32

                    Total Initial Cost: $282

3. Complete a Criminal Background Check

• Required for all LVT licenses
• Will begin only after the applicant submits the application and pays all fees
• Applicants will receive emailed instructions from the Criminal Background Check Program after application submission
• Previously collected fingerprints cannot be reused

4. Pass the Minnesota Jurisprudence Examination

• The exam us fully open resource
• It is not timed
• May be taken up to five times (a fee is charged for each attempt)
• Covers Minnesota statutes and rules governing veterinary medicine

PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to submit continuing education (CE) documentation with your application. The Board does not require proof of CE at the time of application or during license renewals. However, licensees are responsible for maintaining accurate records of their CE. A percentage of licensees are randomly selected for a CE audit, and documentation must be provided if you are chosen. 

For license renewals, 16 hours of CE are required, with no more than 4 hours in practice management. CE hours may be completed through either live or recorded learning formats.

Eligibility Pathways – Traditional or Temporary Alternative

Traditional Pathway: For new graduates, non-residential applications, or OPTIONAL for current MVMA-certified technicians in good standing if they wish to separately provide their VTNE and proof of education.

All applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have graduated from an AVMA- or CVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
• Have a passing VTNE score (transfer here)
• Complete the online application
• Complete the criminal background check
• Pass the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Exam
• Applicants who have held an occupational license or registration in another state, territory, or province must request a letter of good standing from their governing board be sent to us to confirm they have no past or current disciplinary actions.

 

Temporary Alternative (available only through July 1, 2031): optional for current MVMA-certified technicians in good standing or for non-credentialed staff (aka Legacy or Grandfathered Clause)

 

For current MVMA-certified technicians who choose this pathway:

MVMA certification does not convert directly to a state license.

If you are MVMA-certified and remain in good standing through July 1, 2026:

• The MVMA will transfer your education and VTNE results to the Board
• Applicants who have held an occupational license or registration in another state, territory, or province must request a letter of good standing from their governing board be sent to us to confirm they have no past or current disciplinary actions.
• You must still complete:
  • The online application
  • Pay exam fees
  • The criminal background check
  • The Jurisprudence Exam

 

For non-credentialed staff:

Applicants may qualify if they have worked at least 4,106 hours in a technician role in the last five years. You must upload your resume as a supporting document to verify that you have this experience.