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Maryland Veterinary Technician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Registered Veterinary Technician

Registration with the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners as a registered veterinary technician under Agriculture Article § 2-309 and COMAR 15.14.13; issued for 3-year terms expiring June 30.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners · Application information

Registration of a veterinary technician registered in another state or a foreign jurisdiction

All of the following:

Board Discretion
The Board "may" register such an applicant, subject to COMAR 15.14.13.11 (COMAR 15.14.13.11A).
Clinical Employment
Employed in clinical practice as a veterinary technician continuously for the 5 years preceding application (COMAR 15.14.13.11A(2)).
Fees
All appropriate fees under COMAR 15.14.12.02 paid (COMAR 15.14.13.11A(3)).
Good Moral Character
Submit proof of good moral character (COMAR 15.14.13.11B).
Law Attestation
Passing the State Board Examination consists of reading and comprehending the laws and regulations governing registered veterinary technicians in Maryland and signing a notarized or electronic statement attesting to this (COMAR 15.14.13.05C); the Board page states that all applicants must attest that they have read and will follow the laws and regulations before being licensed.
Other Jurisdiction History
Applicants licensed now or previously in another jurisdiction have Letters of Good Standing or registration verification sent directly from each such board, and disclose any disciplinary action or criminal conviction with documentation (Board page).
Registration Elsewhere
Registered in another state or a foreign jurisdiction and a graduate of a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (COMAR 15.14.13.11A(1)).
Score Age
COMAR 15.14.13.06C exempts an applicant who meets COMAR 15.14.13.11 from retaking the Maryland State Veterinary Technician Examination after the 5-year score period; COMAR 15.14.13.11A(4) still requires that the examination (VTNE and State Board Examination) has been passed.
Vtne Score Transfer
A candidate who previously passed the VTNE provides a report from the AAVSB Veterinary Information Verifying Agency; per the Board page, scores of candidates who sat the VTNE in Maryland are transferred automatically (COMAR 15.14.13.06A).
Registration by examination: graduate or candidate for graduation of an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old (Md. Code, Agriculture § 2-309(e)(5); COMAR 15.14.13.10E).
Education
Final transcript showing the applicant is a graduate or candidate for graduation (within approximately 3 months of graduating, with a college letter) from an AVMA-approved veterinary technology program, sent directly from the college (COMAR 15.14.13.02B(4), .03A; Board page).
Good Moral Character
Of good moral character (Md. Code, Agriculture § 2-309(e)(4); COMAR 15.14.13.10D).
Law Attestation
Passing the State Board Examination consists of reading and comprehending the laws and regulations governing registered veterinary technicians in Maryland and signing a notarized or electronic statement attesting to this (COMAR 15.14.13.05C); the Board page states that all applicants must attest that they have read and will follow the laws and regulations before being licensed.
Other Jurisdiction History
Applicants licensed now or previously in another jurisdiction have Letters of Good Standing or registration verification sent directly from each such board, and disclose any disciplinary action or criminal conviction with documentation (Board page).
Score Age
A previously passed Maryland State Veterinary Technician Examination score is accepted if it is not more than 5 years old; after that period the applicant must retake it unless qualifying under COMAR 15.14.13.11 (COMAR 15.14.13.06C).
State Board Exam Application
Within 1 year from the date the Board receives the application, submit a complete notarized or online examination application, the application fee under COMAR 15.14.12.02, a 2-inch by 3-inch headshot photograph taken within 6 months, and the qualifying transcript or coursework proof; an untimely or incomplete application is denied (COMAR 15.14.13.03C-D). The Board page lists an application fee of $100.
Vtne Application
Apply to the AAVSB by its deadline with schooling information, the AAVSB VTNE application and VTNE fees (COMAR 15.14.13.03E(1)).
Vtne Score Transfer
A candidate who previously passed the VTNE provides a report from the AAVSB Veterinary Information Verifying Agency; per the Board page, scores of candidates who sat the VTNE in Maryland are transferred automatically (COMAR 15.14.13.06A).
Registration by examination: applicant without an AVMA accredited program who qualifies by degree, coursework and experience

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old (Md. Code, Agriculture § 2-309(e)(5); COMAR 15.14.13.10E).
Continuing Education
Proof of at least 24 hours of veterinary technician continuing education (COMAR 15.14.13.03B(4)).
Education
School-authenticated transcript of an associate degree or higher including at least three credits with a grade of C or above in each of Biology I, Biology II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I, and Anatomy and Physiology II (COMAR 15.14.13.03B(1)).
Emergency Experience
Proof of at least 24 hours of work as a veterinary technician in a veterinary emergency facility (COMAR 15.14.13.03B(5)).
Good Moral Character
Of good moral character (Md. Code, Agriculture § 2-309(e)(4); COMAR 15.14.13.10D).
Law Attestation
Passing the State Board Examination consists of reading and comprehending the laws and regulations governing registered veterinary technicians in Maryland and signing a notarized or electronic statement attesting to this (COMAR 15.14.13.05C); the Board page states that all applicants must attest that they have read and will follow the laws and regulations before being licensed.
Other Jurisdiction History
Applicants licensed now or previously in another jurisdiction have Letters of Good Standing or registration verification sent directly from each such board, and disclose any disciplinary action or criminal conviction with documentation (Board page).
Score Age
A previously passed Maryland State Veterinary Technician Examination score is accepted if it is not more than 5 years old; after that period the applicant must retake it unless qualifying under COMAR 15.14.13.11 (COMAR 15.14.13.06C).
Skill Assessment
A Maryland Technician Skill Assessment completed by a licensed veterinarian who knows the applicant's abilities (COMAR 15.14.13.03B(3); Board page).
State Board Exam Application
Within 1 year from the date the Board receives the application, submit a complete notarized or online examination application, the application fee under COMAR 15.14.12.02, a 2-inch by 3-inch headshot photograph taken within 6 months, and the qualifying transcript or coursework proof; an untimely or incomplete application is denied (COMAR 15.14.13.03C-D). The Board page lists an application fee of $100.
Vtne Eligibility
The school sends the Board an authenticated final transcript (with English translation if applicable) and the applicant gives name and contact; the Board determines VTNE eligibility and notifies the applicant and the AAVSB, after which the applicant applies and pays the AAVSB (COMAR 15.14.13.03E(2); Board page). Coursework from non-accredited veterinary assistant programs does not confer VTNE eligibility (Board Examinations page).
Vtne Score Transfer
A candidate who previously passed the VTNE provides a report from the AAVSB Veterinary Information Verifying Agency; per the Board page, scores of candidates who sat the VTNE in Maryland are transferred automatically (COMAR 15.14.13.06A).
Work Experience
Proof of 10,000 hours of work experience as a technician, with a signed affidavit (notarized, per the Board page) from a supervising veterinarian stating hours and dates (COMAR 15.14.13.03B(2)).
Renewal of a registration lapsed less than 5 years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application in the manner the Board requires (COMAR 15.14.13.12B(1)).
Continuing Education
At least 8 hours of Committee-approved continuing education under COMAR 15.14.16 for each lapsed year (COMAR 15.14.13.12B(2)).
Fee
Renewal fee (COMAR 15.14.13.12B(3)).
Otherwise Entitled
Otherwise entitled to be registered (COMAR 15.14.13.12B(4)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-12-17.

Reinstatement of a registration lapsed 5 years or more
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reinstatement application in the manner the Board requires (COMAR 15.14.13.12C(1)).
Board Page Attestation
The Board page, a lower-ranked source than the rule, states: "All applicants must attest that they have read and will follow all the laws and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology in Maryland before being licensed." COMAR 15.14.13.12C does not require the State Board Examination for reinstatement.
Continuing Education
At least 8 hours of Committee-approved continuing education under COMAR 15.14.16 for each lapsed year (COMAR 15.14.13.12C(2)).
Fee
Reinstatement fee; the Board page lists $100 (COMAR 15.14.13.12C(3)).
Letters Of Good Standing
Letters of good standing, as applicable, from every other state veterinary board under which the applicant is or has been registered (COMAR 15.14.13.12C(4)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-12-17.

Renewal of a current registration (3 year term expiring June 30)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renewal application on the Committee's form (COMAR 15.14.13.12A(1)).
Continuing Education
Committee-approved continuing education under COMAR 15.14.16 (COMAR 15.14.13.12A(3); Md. Code, Agriculture § 2-309(g)(3)).
Fee
Renewal fee under COMAR 15.14.12.02; the Board page lists $100 (COMAR 15.14.13.12A(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-12-17.

State Board Examination for becoming a registered veterinary technician

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources

Veterinary Technician National Examination

Provider
American Association of Veterinary State Boards
Format
Three-hour multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions; 150 scored operational questions and 20 pilot questions
Examination outline
  • Pharmacy and Pharmacology (13%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to the use of pharmacological, chemical, and biological agents.
    • Prepare medications in compliance with veterinarian's orders.
    • Calculate medications, fluid therapy rate, and continuous rate infusions based on the appropriate dosage in compliance with veterinarian's orders.
    • Dispense medications in compliance with veterinary orders.
    • Maintain controlled drug inventory, related logbooks, and medical records.
    • Recognize classifications of drugs, their mechanisms, and clinically relevant side effects.
    • Store, handle, and safely dispose of pharmacological, chemical, and biological agents.
  • Surgical Nursing (13%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to surgical nursing.
    • Prepare the surgical environment, equipment, instruments, and supplies to meet the needs of the surgical team and patient.
    • Prepare patient for surgical procedure.
    • Function as a sterile surgical technician to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.
    • Function as a circulating (non-sterile) surgical technician to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.
    • Clean instruments by the appropriate method (including but not limited to manual, soak, or ultrasonic).
    • Maintain aseptic conditions in surgical suite and during surgical procedures.
    • Maintain the surgical environment, equipment, instruments, and supplies to meet the needs of the surgical team and patient.
    • Sterilize equipment and supplies by the appropriate method (including but not limited to steam, gas).
  • Dentistry (7%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to dentistry.
    • Prepare and maintain the environment, equipment, instruments, and supplies to meet the needs of the dental team and patient.
    • Perform Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) (including but not limited to scaling and polishing; manual and machine).
    • Produce diagnostic dental radiographs.
  • Laboratory Procedures (9%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to laboratory procedures.
    • Prepare and maintain specimens and documentation for in-house or outside laboratory evaluation.
    • Perform laboratory tests and procedures (including but not limited to microbiology, serology, cytology, hematology, urinalysis, and parasitology).
    • Maintain laboratory equipment and related supplies to ensure safety and quality of results.
  • Animal Care and Nursing (20%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to patient care and nursing.
    • Document and manage initial and ongoing evaluations of patient to provide optimal care (including but not limited to physical, behavioral, nutritional, clinical procedures, and mentation status).
    • Perform nursing procedures and maintenance of prescribed treatments (including but not limited to catheterization, wound management, and bandaging).
    • Perform clinical procedures to aid in diagnosis and prognosis (including but not limited to blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography, and tonometry).
    • Provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for patient to ensure optimal healthcare and client/personnel safety.
    • Maintain diagnostic equipment and related supplies to ensure safety and quality of results.
    • Administer medications via the appropriate routes (including but not limited to topical, intravenous, subcutaneous).
    • Collect specimens for in-house or outside laboratory evaluation.
    • Recognize and respond to behavioral characteristics of patient.
    • Restrain patient with or without equipment for treatment following safety protocols.
  • Diagnostic Imaging (6%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to diagnostic images.
    • Produce and document diagnostic images and/or radiographs (excluding dental) following protocols for safety and quality of results.
    • Maintain imaging/radiograph equipment and related materials to ensure safety and quality of results.
  • Anesthesia (13%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to anesthesia.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of an anesthetic plan to ensure patient safety and procedural efficacy.
    • Prepare anesthetic equipment and related supplies to ensure operator and patient safety.
    • Maintain anesthetic equipment and related materials to ensure reliable operation.
    • Establish and maintain a patent airway using endotracheal intubation.
    • Monitor and respond to patient status during all stages of anesthesia (pre-, peri-, and post-).
  • Emergency Medicine/Critical Care (7%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to emergency medicine and critical care.
    • Perform triage of a patient presenting with emergency/critical conditions (including but not limited to shock, acute illness, acute trauma, and toxicity).
    • Perform emergency nursing procedures (including but not limited to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control acute blood loss, and fracture stabilization).
    • Perform critical care nursing procedures (including but not limited to blood component therapy, fluid resuscitation, and ongoing oxygen therapy).
    • Perform ongoing evaluations of physical, behavioral, nutritional, and mentation status of patient in emergency and critical conditions.
  • Pain Management/Analgesia (7%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to pain management and analgesia.
    • Recognize need for analgesia in patient.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of the pain management plan to optimize patient comfort and/or healing.
  • Communication and Veterinary Professional Support Services (5%)
    • Educate the client about animal care, risks, and side effects to promote and maintain the health of animals and the safety of client/public (including but not limited to behavior, nutrition, pharmacological/biological/chemical agents, dental health, anesthetic procedures, pain assessment/management, pre- and post-operative care, preventative care, zoonosis)
    • Maintain professional communication in all client and veterinary team interactions.
    • Collect patient information (including but not limited to signalment, medical history, primary complaint).
    • Provide assistance with the euthanasia process (including but not limited to consent, aftercare, grief management).
Examination sources