Institute for Justice
LTW Occupation
Veterinary Technologist
License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Highlights
License required in 37 states9th 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 |
