Massachusetts
Find the latest Massachusetts continuing education (CE) requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Review license renewal dates, CE hour requirements, online CE allowances, required subjects, and Massachusetts veterinary licensing information.
Fun Fact: The eastern cottontail rabbit, ubiquitous across Massachusetts, can leap over three feet in a single bound.
Fun Fact: The Tabby Cat was named the official state cat to represent shelter pets and rescue animals.
Veterinarians
Next Renewal Date: February 28, 2027
Renewal Frequency: Annually on February 28
Total Required CE: 15 hours
Allowed Online: All 15 hours may be completed online, including through RACE-approved providers. However, no more than 6 hours may be non-interactive. Live online courses that occur in real time and allow interaction between the veterinarian and instructor, such as ZukuCE, are considered interactive and are not subject to the 6-hour non-interactive limit.
Interactive Required: At least 9 of the 15 hours must be interactive. Interactive CE may be completed in person or through qualifying live online courses that provide real-time interaction with the instructor, such as ZukuCE.
Record Retention: Licensees must maintain adequate documentation of completed CE activities and be able to provide it to the Board upon request.
Audit Information: The Board may conduct random CE compliance reviews. Veterinarians selected for review must provide documentation demonstrating completion of the required continuing education. Failure to provide documentation or satisfy CE requirements may result in non-renewal or disciplinary action.
Additional Information: Continuing education must be completed during the calendar year from January 1 through December 31 preceding renewal. Veterinarians initially licensed in Massachusetts are exempt from CE for the license period that includes their initial licensure date, unless they obtained their Massachusetts license through reciprocity. RACE is specifically listed by the Board as an approved CE provider category.
Veterinary Technicians
Next Renewal Date: December 31, 2026
Renewal Frequency: Annually, with an optional two-year renewal available through the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association.
Total Required CE: 12 CEUs annually to maintain Massachusetts CVT certification through the MVTA. The optional two-year renewal requires 24 CEUs.
Required Subjects: No specific mandatory subjects. Up to 3 CEUs per year may be earned in approved non-veterinary or non-medical subjects, such as business practices, human resources, and qualifying OSHA courses.
Allowed Online: All required CEUs may be completed online. The MVTA states that there is no limit on online CE and advises technicians to confirm that online veterinary technician programs are RACE-approved. This makes qualifying RACE-approved ZukuCE courses eligible for MVTA certification renewal.
Record Retention: The MVTA requires certified veterinary technicians (CVTs) to retain certificates for completed CE so they can be provided if audited. A specific number of years is not stated on the current renewal information page.
Audit Information: CE certificates do not need to be submitted routinely with renewal, but CVTs must retain and provide certificates if audited by the MVTA. Failure to provide documentation may result in suspension or loss of CVT status.
Additional Information: Massachusetts does not currently require state licensure or certification for veterinary technicians. CVT certification is a voluntary professional credential administered by the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association. The MVTA requires 12 CEUs per year to maintain CVT status and accepts CE approved by RACE, the AVMA, state veterinary medical associations, and state veterinary technician associations.
Massachusetts State Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
Address: One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110-2012
Phone Number: (617) 701-8723