On January 1, 2023, the State Board of Veterinary Medicine (SBVM) became responsible for governing the practice of veterinary technicians. And yes, certified veterinary technicians transitioned to Registered Veterinary Technicians. For information about terminology, click here. In fact, title protection is one of the most impactful outcomes of the regulatory program. On and after January 1, 2024, anyone wanting to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician, RVT, or VT must be registered after meeting one of three different credentialing options. The credentialing options include: graduating from an AVMA-approved programs and passing the VTNE, or one of two experience-based credentialing pathways (discussed in more depth below).
CACVT has been approved by the SBVM as the credentialing entity for Colorado. This means CACVT will award applicants a credential (formerly certification) after verifying they have met the required qualifications for registration. This credential allows individuals to apply for registration with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations. All veterinary technicians who are currently certified with CACVT (expiration date June 20, 2024) will immediately become eligible to apply for registration. It is important to know that anyone practicing as a veterinary technician must be registered by January 1, 2024.
Veterinary technicians credentialed in another state but working in Colorado will need to register with the SBVM and satisfy the requirements of the Occupational Credential Portability Program. These registration applications will be processed through the Division of Professions and Occupations.
In 2023, two registered veterinary technicians were appointed by the governor to serve 4-year terms on the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
