The current Veterinary Practice Act (VPA) was updated and went into effect in August 2024. The VPA will continue until 2033, at which time it will undergo another sunset review. The following information is a summary of several key points pertinent to veterinary technicians, and the veterinary industry as a whole. For a detailed visual timeline, keep scrolling. To search for a veterinary technician’s license, click here.
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. In fact, title protection is one of the most impactful outcomes of the regulatory program. 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.
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 and registration renewal with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations.
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. Click here to learn more about transferring a credential to Colorado.
