Veterinary technicians in Minnesota have achieved a long-awaited victory with their inclusion in the state’s Veterinary Practice Act, a goal that veterinary professionals have been pursuing for almost 20 years.

The legislation, part of a 1,430-page omnibus bill, was passed by the Minnesota state legislature on May 19 and promptly signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. This historic change means that licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) will now be regulated by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine (MBVM).

The MBVM is now authorized to establish licensure and practice requirements for LVTs, a process expected to take 12 to 18 months. These new rules will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

New Regulations for Veterinary Technicians

The legislation defines veterinary technology as “the science and practice of providing professional support to veterinarians, including the direct supervision of unlicensed veterinary employees.” To become an LVT, individuals must graduate from a program accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technology Education and Activities (CVTEA), pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination. Additionally, those who have been working as veterinary technicians for about 2.5 years full-time within the last five years can apply to be an LVT by July 1, 2031, even if they don’t meet the other criteria.

Expanded Scope of Practice

Previously, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) offered a voluntary certification for veterinary technicians from CVTEA-accredited programs who passed the VTNE. However, there was no legal definition or distinction for veterinary technicians who were trained on the job or did not pass the VTNE. Moreover, veterinary technicians could only work under direct supervision of a veterinarian, who was responsible for the technician’s professional performance. The new legislation expands the scope of practice, allowing remote supervision of LVTs and enabling them to supervise unlicensed staff members.

The Journey to Inclusion

Dr. Ann Brownlee, MVMA president, highlighted the joint efforts of the MVMA and the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) that began over two decades ago. In recent years, the MVMA engaged with legislators, both in person and remotely, with support from their lobbyist and townhall meetings to garner member support.

Dr. Brownlee shared an example of the challenges faced under the old regulations: a veterinarian had to see a client every day for 14 days to administer an injection because a veterinary technician could not legally perform the task without direct supervision.

“Veterinarians value veterinary technicians, and we hope this will elevate the profession,” Dr. Brownlee said. “We expect that better utilization of veterinary technicians will improve their earnings and job satisfaction. Title protection is essential, and we strongly support it.”

Support from the AVMA

The AVMA expressed support in a 2022 letter to the MVMA, advocating for licensure to enhance veterinary medicine by improving patient care quality and providing professional accountability and public protection. She emphasized that licensing would elevate veterinary technology standards and recognize the vital role veterinary technicians play in practices across Minnesota.

Looking Ahead

With this legislative change, Minnesota joins the majority of states that have some form of licensing or registration for veterinary technicians. Eight states still do not regulate veterinary technicians but offer a voluntary credentialing process.

“We’re thrilled to join the majority of states with licensing or registration for veterinary technicians, and we appreciate the state’s support in making this happen,” Dr. Brownlee said.