Licensed Veterinary Technicians

There is a high demand for LVTs to fill positions in the veterinary medicine industry in Texas. If you are already an LVT or thinking of becoming an LVT in Texas, TVMA has the continuing education, tools, resources and support you need to help you be successful. TVMA also offers channels to advance your veterinary career such as public speaking and training opportunities, participating and leading in committees and volunteer settings and being published.

LVTs share the vision and many of the same challenges of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in Texas, and since 2014, TVMA legally and legislatively represents, promotes and advocates for LVTs.

LVT Membership is $51 annually and provides benefits such as:

"As a member of TVMA, I have opportunities to participate in discussions, and have direct input on issues and legislative actions, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and the veterinary profession. If you’re not a TVMA member, you’re missing out. Why not get your information straight from the source and from an organization that understands the pulse of the profession, truly represents the interests of its members, and provides insight into issues affecting the entire profession?”—David Sessum, LVT

About Licensed Veterinary Technicians

Licensed Veterinary Technicians have taken special training, obtained a high level of education, and are licensed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. A license to work as a veterinary technician is not mandatory however it is illegal in Texas to use the term “LVT” or call themselves an LVT without a license issued from the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

LVTs have graduated from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician program and have taken and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE®) with a minimum score of 75% (425 minimum raw score.) Additionally, they have taken and passed the Texas Licensed Vet Tech Exam (LVTE).

If you are interested in taking the Texas Licensed Vet Tech Exam (LVTE) to become an LVT, please click here for the application required by the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

The Difference Between Hospital Personnel

Aside from veterinarians, there are four main titles of the people usually involved in the hands-on care of animal patients. According to the practice act in the state of Texas, those four titles are Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT), Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA), Equine Dental Provider (EDP) and Veterinary Assistant. Most practices refer to all hospital personnel as “technicians” but there are differences in the tasks that each title is allowed to perform and the level of supervision required. Licensed Veterinary Technicians may supervise CVA’s and Veterinary Assistants for tasks such as anesthesia induction.  If a clinic does not employ an LVT, the DVM must immediately supervise CVA’s and veterinary assistants for many of the tasks performed in a veterinary clinic. 

For more information, please contact TVMA at membership@tvma.org or 512/452-4244.

Straight From the Source

Veterinary Training Technician Programs in Texas

Veterinary Technology Programs Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) in Texas:

Are you currently a licensed veterinary student in a traditional classroom setting? You are eligible for a TVMA LVT Student Membership at no cost to you. Talk with your instructor or contact TVMA at membership@tvma.org or 512/452-4244.

Pima Medical Institute—San Antonio

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