Veterinary Technician / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Veterinary Technician License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Assists veterinarians in medical and surgical procedures.

What the Tennessee data shows for Veterinary Technicians

Becoming a licensed veterinary technician in Tennessee means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,878 training hours, a passing score on VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Tennessee regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology".

Upfront cost is $126, with renewal running $107 on a 2-year cycle. 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.

On reciprocity, veterinary technicians should know: VTNE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
50/100
Veterinary Technician · Tennessee

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,878 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$126
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C-
$54/yr
$107 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology
1,878 hours
Exam Requirement
VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$126
Renewal Fee
$107
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinary Technician in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 1878 education/training hours, a passing score on VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam), and a $126 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed veterinary technician in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 1878 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Veterinary Technician license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Veterinary Technician licenses generally reciprocate as follows: VTNE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Veterinary Technician licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for veterinary technician licensing in Tennessee. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Veterinary Technician in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee ties continued veterinary technician licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $107 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this veterinary technician license

Veterinary Technician in Tennessee, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a veterinary technician-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Tennessee's veterinary technician requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Veterinary Technician in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state veterinary technician license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Tennessee's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Tennessee overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Tennessee licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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