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

  • including (if applicable) proof of education, VTNE scores, and affidavits

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


Eligibility Pathways – Traditional or Temporary Alternative

Traditional Pathway : For new graduates or optional for current MVMA-certified technicians in good standing

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

 

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
  • 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 meet the following:

  • Have 4,160 hours of verified veterinary technology experience within the last 5 years

Applicants using this pathway must still complete:

 

Nonresidential Applicants

If you are credentialed as a veterinary technician outside Minnesota, you may apply under the nonresident pathway.

Verification of your credential and proof of good standing will be required.

You must still complete:

  • The online application
  • Pay exam fees
  • The criminal background check
  • The Jurisprudence Exam, which covers Minnesota statutes and rules governing veterinary medicine
  • Submit a copy of each active or recent VT license you’ve held in the past 10 years

 

For Clinics and Employers

Beginning July 1, 2026:

  • Only individuals licensed by the Board may use the title “veterinary technician” or “LVT”
  • Titles must be updated on websites and marketing materials, staff directories and bios, social media, name badges, uniforms, and any client‑facing materials
  • Clinics may verify licensure status using the Board’s public license lookup once available
  • Employers should ensure staff without licensure are not assigned tasks that require an LVT

 

Clinics can help by encouraging staff to:

  • Set up portal accounts
  • Collect affidavits if they are using TAP and are on-the-job-trained
  • Begin studying for the Jurisprudence Exam
  • Monitor Board updates 


 

Staying Informed

To receive direct updates from the Board (including when we are open for LVT applications):

    1. Scroll to the bottom of the Board website

    2. Enter your email under “Sign Up for Updates”

    3. Confirm your subscription

 

Questions? Contact Us:

Email: vet.med@state.mn.us

Phone: (651) 201-2844

 

Appendix: Quick Links