Veterinary Technician / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Veterinary Technician License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Assists veterinarians in medical and surgical procedures.

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Veterinary Technicians

To practice as a veterinary technician in Pennsylvania, the state licensing board requires 2,068 documented education or training hours, a passing score on VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Pennsylvania's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology".

The initial price tag is $164, and renewal costs $135 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: VTNE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required.

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology
2,068 hours
Exam Requirement
VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$164
Renewal Fee
$135
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Veterinary Technician All Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinary Technician in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania's requirements cover 2068 hours of education or training, the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $164. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Veterinary Technician in Pennsylvania? ▼
Certification as a veterinary technician in Pennsylvania means clearing the state's checklist: 2068 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Veterinary Technician license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for veterinary technicians nationally works like this: VTNE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Pennsylvania. Verify the specifics with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Veterinary Technician licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for veterinary technician licensing in Pennsylvania. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Veterinary Technician in Pennsylvania? ▼
To stay licensed as a veterinary technician in Pennsylvania, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $135.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.