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| About the Practice Act |
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Veterinary Technician Licensure Technician Certification through MVMA ends June 30, 2026 and will be replaced by Technician Licensure through the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine effective July 1, 2026. This change is due to the passage of the Veterinary Technician Licensure bill in 2024, which will result in veterinary technicians being included in Minnesota’s Veterinary Practice Act starting in 2026. On this page, you’ll find:
For more than forty years, MVMA has offered a voluntary certification program for veterinary technicians. However, there was no legal definition of the title in Minnesota, so anyone could call themselves a veterinary technician. Currently, veterinary technicians can only work under direct supervision (within visual or audible range) of a veterinarian, who assumes all responsibility for an employee’s professional performance. With licensure, the scope of practice will be expanded to allow remote supervision of LVTs and for LVTs to provide direct supervision of unlicensed staff members. This scope of practice will still be under the direction and delegation of tasks from a licensed veterinarian. We've compiled answers to what we know as of June 2025 in the FAQ document below, but please note that rule writing is still in process. The legislation authorizes the BVM to establish licensure and related practice requirements for LVTs. Rules will become effective July 1, 2026. Drs. Ann Brownlee and Al Balay representing MVMA, along with Kim Horne, CVT, and Sam Geiling, CVT, representing MAVT, are working with and supporting the Board of Veterinary Medicine on a task force during the rule making process. Virtual Office hours-Note: no CE credits will be awarded for participation
Members of the MVMA/MAVT committee that have worked on licensure will be holding free virtual “office hours” to answer your questions. You must register for these office hours to get the link. There will be no formal presentation so come ready with your questions. We are offering these hours approximately every 6 weeks for one hour currently. We will assess the need for future hours. Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 6/3/25) PREPARING TO APPLY FOR TECHNICIAN LICENSURE (ADDED 10/1/25) In this new resource, we detail what you will need to know and do as you prepare to apply for licensure. Three separate sections outline the process and requirements for: current CVTs, lapsed CVTs, and never-credentialed veterinary staff. Preparing to Apply for Licensure (PDF) Veterinary Practice Act Updated 2024 Minnesota's Veterinary Practice Act was updated in 2024 to include Licensed Veterinary Technicians. Licensure of technicians will take effect July 1, 2026. The Board of Veterinary Medicine is currently making edits to the proposed rules and will post an updated version in late summer 2025 before opening a second public comment period. Updated Veterinary Practice Act Video by Sam Geiling, CVT: Changes to Minnesota Veterinary Practice Act Bill Language & Additional Resources
If you have further questions or feedback, please contact Dr. Allen Balay at ( allenbalay77@gmail.com) or 320-905-6423) or Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS (Dermatology) at ( horne003@alumni.umn.edu) or 952-270-5439). HF 1228-Veterinary technicians, practice of veterinary technology, and unlicensed veterinary employees regulated Introduced on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, by Rep. John Huot - click here for more information SF 1522-Veterinary technicians, the practice of veterinary technology and unlicensed veterinary employees’ regulation Introduced on Thursday, February 9th, 2023, by Senator Robert Kupec - click here for more information Supporting Documents
2) How Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Impact Public Safety 4) Licensure in Veterinary Medicine: How it Protects the Public and our Animals 5) Points of Why Regulatory Credentialing for Veterinary Technicians 6) JAVMA 9/15/2021 Article: Are We in a Veterinary Workforce Crisis? 8) Veterinary Technician Enhancement Act Infographic (this version intended for veterinary community) Letters of Support AVMA letter of support for Vet Tech Licensure MVMA/MAVT Goal in 2021-2022: Veterinary Technician Licensure Bill Title: Veterinary Technician Workforce Enhancement Act Preamble: Veterinary technicians are vital members of the veterinary health care team and work alongside veterinarians to care for the health, safety and welfare of animals and improve public health. All states in the U.S. have regulatory boards to manage the licensure of veterinarians and a large majority of states also require licensure for veterinary technicians. This licensure is critical to ensure professional accountability and prevent unqualified individuals from potentially harming animal health and failing to protect the public. Over time, members of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) have experienced dwindling numbers in the veterinary technician profession. We believe through an improved understanding and definition of their role as veterinary team members, that mandatory credentialing will contribute to the advancement of the practice of veterinary medicine as well as enhance patient care and public safety. Key Components of the Bill:
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3/24/2025BVM Published LVT Rules
6/24/2024MAVT Featured in DVM 360
11/12/2025
MAVT Business Meeting
11/18/2025
LVT Office Hours