FAQs

Please below for common questions. If you have additional questions, contact nysavt@gmail.com.

Does New York State require licensure to work as a Vet Tech?

Yes, visit www.op.nysed.gov/vtlic.htm for licensure requirements.

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How do I become licensed in NY?

You must have graduated from an AVMA accredited college with a degree in veterinary technology in order to qualify to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam. You must pass this exam to become licensed. It is offered twice a year. You can contact the State Education Department for more details regarding when and where the exam will be offered and if you qualify to take the exam. For licensure requirements, visit www.op.nysed.gov/vtlic.htm

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I worked in another state as a vet tech that didn't require licensure. Can I work in NY as a veterinary technician?

No, you must have a license to work as a vet tech in New York.

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I have an AAS or BA degree, but did not major in veterinary technology. Can I sit for the licensing exam in New York?

No, you must have graduated from an AVMA Veterinary Technology Program to take the exam.

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I have worked in a veterinary hospital as a technician for many years but I do not have a degree. Can I still be licensed under the grandfather law?

No, the grandfather law loophole was closed years ago. This law was meant to give non-degree technicians an opportunity to be licensed 25 years ago when licensure was first required. It was never meant to be an option as an alternative to getting your degree. It is illegal to work as a veterinary technician in NY without a license.

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I have a complaint about the way my veterinarian is practicing medicine or utilizing unlicensed staff with my pet. Where can I make a formal complaint?

To report suspected cases of professional misconduct or unlicensed practice of the professions you can call 1-800-442-8106, or e-mail conduct@mail.nysed.gov. You can also use the web to verify licenses and search for disciplinary actions taken against licensees at www.op.nysed.gov/proflist.htm

Where can I get information about obtaining my license?

For licensure information, contact the New York State Board for Veterinary Technology Office of Professions, 518-474-3817 or visit www.op.nysed.gov/vtlic.htm for licensure requirements.

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Is continuing education required for renewal of my license?

By law, CE will be mandatory starting January 1, 2012>

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Can you provide me with the names of accredited schools that offer the veterinary technology program?

See Educational Opportunities.

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I have recently moved. Whom do I need to contact, besides NYSAVT?

You are required to notify the State Board within 30 days of any name or address changes. Contact change forms may be downloaded from the State Board’s website at www.op.nysed.gov/anchange.pdf

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I took my licensing exam outside of New York. Can I still be licensed in New York?

Yes. You will need to have your test scores transferred to New York. Visit www.aavsb.org for more information.

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I am a licensed veterinary technician in another state. Do I have to take another exam to be licensed in New York?

No. The NYS Education Department may endorse a veterinary technician license issued by another state if the Department determines you have met New York’s education requirements, have passed a comparable licensing examination and have:

met all general veterinary technician application requirements;
been licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States and practiced lawfully for at least two years (full-time) following initial licensure; and
not failed a licensing examination used by the State of New York either prior to or after making application for licensure by endorsement, unless you have later passed a comparable licensing examination.

NYSAVT - 119 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor - Albany, NY 12210 - P 518-426-7920 - F 518-432-5902 - nysavt@gmail.com - www.nysavt.org