Institute for Justice

LTW Occupation

Veterinary Technologist

License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing

Highlights

License required in 37 states
9th most burdensome licensing requirements
15th most heavily regulated occupation

(Last updated April 24, 2012)

Definition

Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. They prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. They also clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines.

Summary

In 37 states, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians must earn a license. All of these states but one require two years of veterinary school; Nevada has no education or training requirement but does require three tests. All 37 states require at least one test, and several require three. On average, the occupation is the ninth most difficult to enter in this study and 15th most widely and onerously licensed overall.

(Last updated May 1, 2012)

State Licensing Requirements

Burden Rank	State	Fees	Education/Experience (Days)	Exams	Minimum Grade	Minimum Age
1	Indiana	245	730	2	12	18
2	South Dakota	210	730	2	12	0
3	Wisconsin	352	730	3	0	18
4	Idaho	200	730	2	0	18
5	Alabama	160	730	2	0	18
6	Nebraska	300	730	1	0	19
7	Arizona	150	730	2	0	18
8	Oklahoma	330	730	2	0	0
9	West Virginia	280	730	1	0	18
10	Georgia	250	730	1	0	18
11	North Carolina	270	730	2	0	0
12	Maryland	260	730	2	0	0
13	Florida	50	730	2	0	18
14	Michigan	235	730	2	0	0
15	New York	358	730	1	0	0
16	Minnesota	200	730	2	0	0
17	Missouri	190	730	2	0	0
18	Tennessee	333	730	1	0	0
19	Washington	175	730	2	0	0
20	Oregon	155	730	2	0	0
21	Iowa	135	730	2	0	0
21	Kentucky	135	730	2	0	0
23	Ohio	281	730	1	0	0
24	Maine	271	730	1	0	0
25	Louisiana	265	730	1	0	0
26	Alaska	260	730	1	0	0
27	California	250	730	1	0	0
28	Pennsylvania	235	730	1	0	0
29	South Carolina	25	730	1	0	18
30	Kansas	220	730	1	0	0
31	Illinois	180	730	1	0	0
32	Arkansas	175	730	1	0	0
33	North Dakota	155	730	1	0	0
34	New Mexico	0	730	2	0	0
35	Delaware	71	730	1	0	0
36	Virginia	30	730	1	0	0
37	Nevada	330	0	3	12	18

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