Texas Veterinarian & Veterinary Technician CE Requirements
Find the latest Texas continuing education (CE) requirements for veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians. Review renewal dates, required CE hours, online CE options, required subjects and limits, and Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners information.
Fun fact: Texas is the only state with three official state mammals: the Texas Longhorn, the Nine-Banded Armadillo, and the Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat.
Fun Fact: The state reptile, the Texas Horned Lizard, is famous for its ability to shoot a stream of defensive blood from the corners of its eyes.
Veterinarians
Next Renewal Date: Varies by licensee; renewal is due by the last day of the licensee’s birth month
Renewal Frequency: Annually
Total Required CE: 17 hours annually
Required Subjects: Veterinarians must complete 2 hours related to opioid abuse and controlled-substance diversion, inventory, and security every 2 years. Up to 5 hours may be earned in practice management, and up to 3 hours may be earned through self-study. The Board maintains a specific list of approved courses for the required opioid and controlled-substance education.
Allowed Online: Online CE is permitted. Up to 17 hours may be earned through qualifying live, real-time interactive courses, including online courses. Up to 5 hours may be earned through qualifying non-interactive, prerecorded, on-demand, or correspondence courses. Qualifying online interactive programs must provide two-way communication, visual interaction with the instructor, and documented participation. RACE-approved CE is accepted, including qualifying ZukuCE courses.
Interactive Required: None specified. Non-interactive CE is subject to the applicable 5-hour limit.
Record Retention: Maintain CE documentation for 4 years.
Audit Information: Licensees attest to CE compliance during renewal and must provide supporting documentation if requested by the Board.
Additional Information: CE must be earned during the renewal year immediately preceding the renewal application. Excess CE may be carried forward to the following renewal year only, up to 17 hours. New licensees are exempt from CE during their first year.
Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs)
Next Renewal Date: Varies by licensee; renewal is due by the last day of the licensee’s birth month
Renewal Frequency: Annually
Total Required CE: 10 hours annually
Required Subjects: CE must relate to clinical veterinary matters. No specific mandatory CE subject is currently specified for LVTs.
Allowed Online: Online CE is permitted when it meets Texas requirements. Qualifying interactive online programs must provide two-way communication, visual interaction with the instructor, and documented participation. RACE-approved CE is accepted, including qualifying ZukuCE courses for veterinary technicians.
Interactive Required: None specified.
Record Retention: Maintain CE documentation for 4 years.
Audit Information: LVTs attest to CE compliance during renewal and must provide supporting documentation if requested by the Board.
Additional Information: CE must be earned during the renewal year immediately preceding the renewal application. Excess CE may be carried forward to the following renewal year only, up to 10 hours. New licensees are exempt from CE during their first year.
Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Website: veterinary.texas.gov
Address: 1801 Congress Suite 8800, Austin, Texas, 78701
Phone Number: (512) 305-7555