Licensed Veterinary Technicians

There is a high demand for LVTs to fill positions in the veterinary medicine industry in Texas. If you are already an LVT or thinking of becoming an LVT in Texas, TVMA has the continuing education, tools, resources and support you need to help you be successful. TVMA also offers channels to advance your veterinary career such as public speaking and training opportunities, participating and leading in committees and volunteer settings and being published.

LVTs share the vision and many of the same challenges of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in Texas, and since 2014, TVMA legally and legislatively represents, promotes and advocates for LVTs.

LVT Membership is $51 annually and provides benefits such as:

"As a member of TVMA, I have opportunities to participate in discussions, and have direct input on issues and legislative actions, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and the veterinary profession. If you’re not a TVMA member, you’re missing out. Why not get your information straight from the source and from an organization that understands the pulse of the profession, truly represents the interests of its members, and provides insight into issues affecting the entire profession?”—David Sessum, LVT

About Licensed Veterinary Technicians

Licensed Veterinary Technicians have taken special training, obtained a high level of education, and are licensed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. A license to work as a veterinary technician is not mandatory however it is illegal in Texas to use the term “LVT” or call themselves an LVT without a license issued from the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

LVTs have graduated from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician program and have taken and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE®) with a minimum score of 75% (425 minimum raw score.) Additionally, they have taken and passed the Texas Licensed Vet Tech Exam (LVTE).

If you are interested in taking the Texas Licensed Vet Tech Exam (LVTE) to become an LVT, please click here for the application required by the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

The Difference Between Hospital Personnel

Aside from veterinarians, there are four main titles of the people usually involved in the hands-on care of animal patients. According to the practice act in the state of Texas, those four titles are Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT), Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA), Equine Dental Provider (EDP) and Veterinary Assistant. Most practices refer to all hospital personnel as “technicians” but there are differences in the tasks that each title is allowed to perform and the level of supervision required. Licensed Veterinary Technicians may supervise CVA’s and Veterinary Assistants for tasks such as anesthesia induction.  If a clinic does not employ an LVT, the DVM must immediately supervise CVA’s and veterinary assistants for many of the tasks performed in a veterinary clinic. 

For more information, please contact TVMA at membership@tvma.org or 512/452-4244.

Straight From the Source

Veterinary Training Technician Programs in Texas

Veterinary Technology Programs Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) in Texas:

Are you currently a licensed veterinary student in a traditional classroom setting? You are eligible for a TVMA LVT Student Membership at no cost to you. Talk with your instructor or contact TVMA at membership@tvma.org or 512/452-4244.

Austin Community College

Veterinary Technology Program
1501 W Hwy 290
Elgin, TX 786211
512-223-9400
Kerry Coombs, DVM Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: February 5, 2016; Next Evaluation: 2021
INITIAL ACCREDITATION

Blinn College

301 Post Office Street
Bryan, TX 77801
979-209-7202
Catherine Pfent, DVM Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-February 17, 2012; Next Evaluation: 2019
FULL ACCREDITATION

Cedar Valley College

Veterinary Technology Program
3030 N. Dallas Ave.
Lancaster, TX 75134
972-860-8127 
Kelly Black, DVM Director

  • On-Campus Program
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Distance Learning Program
  • Associate of Applied Science

Initial Accreditation- November 1978; September 2001; Next Evaluation: 2024
FULL ACCREDITATION

Lone Star College

Veterinary Technology Program
30555 Tomball Pkwy.
Tomball, TX 77375-4036
281-351-3357
Joyce Brod, LVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-April, 1990; Next Evaluation: 2023
FULL ACCREDITATION

McLennan Community College

Veterinary Technology Program
1400 College Drive
Waco, TX 76708
254-299-8750
Sue Allen, LVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-January 23, 2004; Next Evaluation: 2021
FULL ACCREDITATION

Palo Alto College

Veterinary Technology Program
1400 W. Villaret Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78224-2499
210-486-3355
Laurie Pawelek, LVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-April, 1998; Next Evaluation: 2021
FULL ACCREDITATION

Pima Medical Institute-El Paso

Veterinary Technology Program
6296 Gateway Blvd. East
El Paso, TX 79915
800-477-7462
Helen Vega, DVM Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: August 29, 2018; Next Evaluation: 2023
INITIAL ACCREDITATION

Pima Medical Institute-Houston

Veterinary Technology Program
10201 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
713-778-0778
Lori VanValkenburg, LVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: August 22, 2014; Next Evaluation: 2019
INITIAL ACCREDITATION

Pima Medical Institute—San Antonio

Veterinary Technology Program
6550 First Park Ten Boulevard
San Antonio, Texas 78213
800-477-PIMA
Thomas Easley, Program Director
Veterinary Training Technician Programs
Initial Accreditation: March 4, 2021
FULL ACCREDITATION

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Veterinary Technology Program
Dept. of Animal, Rangeland, Wildlife Sciences, MSC 228
Kingsville, TX 78363
361-593-2315
Clay Hilton, DVM Director
Bachelor of Science
Initial Accreditation: January 22, 2016; Next Evaluation: 2021
INITIAL ACCREDITATION

The Vet Tech Institute of Houston

4669 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77027
713-629-1500
Catherine Huff, LVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-October 21, 2008; Next Evaluation: 2024
FULL ACCREDITATION

Tyler Junior College

Veterinary Technology Program
1327 S. Baxter Avenue
Tyler, TX 75701
800-687-5680
Louisa Schmid, DVM Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: March 9, 2018; Next Evaluation: 2023
INITIAL ACCREDITATION

Vista College

PROGRAM NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Veterinary Technology Program
4620 50th Street, Suite 14
Lubbock, TX 79414
806-785-2100
Angela Hutchinson, RVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: June 20, 2012
TERMINAL ACCREDITATION