05/22/2026
Minnesota’s updated Practice Act creates several pathways for individuals to become Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs). Here’s a closer look at the Traditional Pathway and the Temporary Alternative Pathway (TAP), both available starting July 1, 2026.
Traditional Pathway:
For new graduates and optional for current MVMA‑certified technicians in good standing.
Applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Graduate from an AVMA‑ or CVMA‑accredited veterinary technology program
• Have a passing VTNE score
• Complete the online application
• Complete the criminal background check
• Pass the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Exam
• Submit VTNE scores and proof of education directly to the Board (these documents must come from the applicant so official records are available for future licensure portability)
Temporary Alternative Pathway (TAP) is available through July 1, 2031 for:
• MVMA‑certified technicians in good standing
• Non‑credentialed veterinary staff with qualifying experience
(Also referred to as the legacy or grandfathering clause.)
MVMA‑certified technicians using TAP:
• MVMA certification does not automatically convert to a state license.
• The MVMA will transfer education and VTNE verification for technicians in good standing, but applicants must still complete all other steps.
• Credentialed MVMA technicians are exempt from needing affidavits, regardless of when they submit their application.
Applicants must:
• Complete the online application
• Pay required fees
• Complete the criminal background check
• Pass the Jurisprudence Exam
Non‑credentialed staff using TAP may qualify with:
• 4,160 hours of verified veterinary technology experience in the last 5 years
These applicants must complete the application, fees, background check, Jurisprudence Exam, and submit five affidavits (two from DVMs and three from unrelated adults who can attest to their skills).
A point of clarification:
Because the Board cannot begin processing LVT applications until July 1, 2026, applicants who submit materials before that date do not need to include affidavits unless they are TAP applicants who are on‑the‑job‑trained. Once the LVT application portal opens, applicants may submit at any time, but affidavits are required only for TAP applicants using the on‑the‑job‑training route.
Minnesota is proud to welcome Licensed Veterinary Technicians into the regulatory framework. These pathways ensure that every applicant - whether a new graduate, MVMA‑certified technician, or experienced veterinary staff - has a clear, supported route to state licensure.
