DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN — GENERAL RULES  
(By authority conferred on the department of licensing and regulatory affairs by sections  
16145 and 18813 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16145 and  
333.18813, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2, 2003-1, and 2011-  
4, MCL 338.3501, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)  
PART 1. GENERAL RULES  
R 338.4971 Definitions.  
Rule 1. (1) As used in these rules:  
(a) “Animal patient” means an animal as defined in section 18802(2) of the code, MCL  
333.18802.  
(b) "Board" means the Michigan board of veterinary medicine created in section 18821  
of the code, MCL 333.18821.  
(c) "Code" means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211.  
(d) "Department" means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(2) A term defined in the code has the same meaning when used in these rules.  
History: 1981 AACS; 2011 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
PART 2. EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION  
R 338.4971a Approval of veterinary technician training programs; standards  
adopted by reference.  
Rule 1a. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the standards for accrediting  
programs for training veterinary technicians adopted by the American Veterinary Medical  
Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities  
(CVTEA) entitled "Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the AVMA Committee on  
Veterinary Technician Education and Activities," July 2020.  
(2) The standards for accrediting programs for training veterinary technicians adopted  
by the CVTEA are available at no cost from the AVMA website at http://www.avma.org.  
A copy of the standards is available for inspection or distribution at a cost of 10 cents per  
page from the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Bureau of Professional Licensing,  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670,  
Lansing, Michigan 48909.  
History: 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
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R 338.4971b Examination; approval and adoption; passing score.  
Rule 1b. (1) The board approves and adopts the Veterinary Technician National  
Examination (VTNE) developed by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards  
(AAVSB) or its predecessor organization.  
(2) The passing score for the VTNE is the score determined by the AAVSB or its  
predecessor organization.  
History: 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
PART 3. LICENSURE  
R 338.4972 Licensure by examination; requirements.  
Rule 2. An applicant for a Michigan veterinary technician license by examination shall  
submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the  
required fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code an applicant shall satisfy  
both of the following requirements:  
(a) Have successfully completed a program for training veterinary technicians approved  
and adopted in R 338.4971a. The educational institution must provide the department  
with the applicant’s final, official transcript.  
(b) Have achieved a passing score on the examination approved and adopted in R  
338.4971b.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS; 2011 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16,  
2021.  
R 338.4973 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS; 2011 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.4974 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4975 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4976 Licensure by endorsement; requirements.  
Rule 6. An applicant for a Michigan veterinary technician license by endorsement shall  
hold an active license in good standing in another state and submit a completed  
application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee. In  
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addition to satisfying the requirements of the code and the administrative rules  
promulgated under the code, an applicant shall comply with all of the following  
requirements:  
(a) Establish that he or she is of good moral character as defined under 1974 PA 381,  
MCL 338.41 to MCL 338.47.  
(b) Submit fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL  
333.16174.  
(c) Achieve a passing score on the examination approved under R 338.4971b.  
(d) Comply with both of the following:  
(i) Disclose each license, registration, or certification in a health profession or  
specialty issued by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or  
another country on the application form.  
(ii) Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which  
includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not  
pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS; 2011 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16,  
2021.  
R 338.4977 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4978 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS; 2011 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16,  
2021.  
R 338.4979 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4980 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4981 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4982 Relicensure.  
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Rule 12. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed may be relicensed upon submission  
of the appropriate documentation as noted in the table below by (√):  
(a) For an applicant who has let his or her Lapsed  
Michigan license lapse and is not currently 0-3 years  
licensed in another state or registered in  
Canada.  
Lapsed more  
than 3 years  
(i)  
Submit a completed application on a √  
form provided by the department,  
together with the required fee.  
Establish that he or she is of good √  
moral character as defined under  
sections 1 to 7 of 1974 PA 381,  
MCL 338.41 to 338.47.  
√
√
(ii)  
(iii)  
(iv)  
Submit fingerprints as required  
under section 16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
Submit proof of having completed √  
15 hours of continuing education that  
√
√
satisfy the requirements of  
338.4993.  
R
(v)  
Achieve a passing score on the  
examination approved under  
338.4971b within 3 years before the  
application for relicensure.  
An applicant who is or has ever been √  
licensed, registered, or certified in a  
health profession or specialty by any  
other state, the United States  
military, the federal government, or  
another country, shall do both of the  
following:  
√
√
R
(vi)  
(A)  
Disclose each license,  
registration, or certification on the  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy the requirements of  
section 16174(2) of the code, MCL  
333.16174,  
verification from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
which  
includes  
proceedings are not pending against  
the applicant and sanctions are not in  
force at the time of application.  
(b) For an applicant who has let his or her Lapsed  
Michigan license lapse and is currently 0-3 years  
Lapsed more than  
3 years  
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licensed in another state or registered in  
Canada.  
(i)  
Submit a completed application on a √  
form provided by the department,  
together with the required fee.  
Establish that he or she is of good √  
moral character as defined under  
sections 1 to 7 of 1974 PA 381, MCL  
338.41 to 338.47.  
√
√
(ii)  
(iii)  
(iv)  
Submit fingerprints as required under  
section 16174(3) of the code, MCL  
333.16174.  
Submit proof of having completed 15 √  
hours of continuing education that  
√
√
satisfy the requirements of  
338.4993.  
R
(v)  
An applicant who is or has ever been √  
licensed, registered, or certified in a  
health profession or specialty by any  
other state, the United States  
military, the federal government, or  
another country, shall do both of the  
following:  
√
(A)  
Disclose each license,  
registration, or certification on the  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy the requirements of  
section 16174(2) of the code, MCL  
333.16174,  
verification from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
which  
includes  
proceedings are not pending against  
the applicant and sanctions are not in  
force at the time of application.  
(2) If relicensure is granted and it is determined that a sanction has been imposed by  
another state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, the  
disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of  
the code, MCL 333.16174.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS; 2011 AACS; 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16,  
2021.  
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R 338.4983 Rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS; 1990 AACS.  
R 338.4984 Rescission.  
Rule 14. R 287.481 to R 287.492 of the Michigan Administrative Code, appearing  
on pages 1383 to 1385 of the 1979 Michigan Administrative Code, are rescinded.  
History: 1981 AACS.  
PART 4. LICENSE RENEWAL; CONTINUING EDUCATION  
R 338.4991 License renewals; continuing education.  
Rule 91. (1) Beginning with licenses that expire on December 31, 2022, and for all  
renewals thereafter, an applicant for license renewal shall have completed at least 15  
hours of continuing education that satisfies the requirements of R 338.4993 in the 3 years  
immediately preceding the application for renewal.  
(2) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant’s certification of  
compliance with the requirements of this rule. The department may require a licensee to  
submit evidence to demonstrate compliance with this rule.  
(3) A request for a waiver under section 16205 of the code, MCL 333.16205, must be  
received by the department before the expiration date of the license.  
(4) The licensee shall retain documentation of satisfying the requirements of this rule  
for a period of 4 years from the date of applying for license renewal. Failure to comply  
with this rule is a violation of section 16221(h) of the code, MCL 333.16221.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.4993 Acceptable continuing education; requirements; limitations.  
Rule 93. (1) The 15 hours of continuing education required under R 338.4991(1) for the  
renewal of a veterinary technician license must satisfy all of the following:  
(a) Not more than 12 hours may be earned during one 24-hour period.  
(b) A licensee may not earn credit for a continuing education program or activity that  
is identical or substantially identical to a program or activity for which the licensee has  
already earned credit during the same renewal period.  
(c) A minimum of 10 hours of continuing education must be scientific in nature. A  
continuing education program or activity is scientific in nature if it includes the science of  
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease as it relates directly to an animal patient  
or topics of public veterinary practice, epidemiology, food safety, public animal health,  
animal welfare, or antimicrobial stewardship.  
(d) A minimum of 5 hours of continuing education must be completed in-person or  
through live, synchronous contact.  
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(e) A maximum of 5 hours of continuing education may be earned collectively for  
activities in subrule (2)(c) to (g) of this rule.  
(2) The board considers any of the following as acceptable continuing education:  
Activity Activity and  
Number  
education  
of  
continuing  
hours  
Code  
(a)  
Proof of Completion  
granted/permitted for activity  
Attendance at or participation in a The number of continuing  
continuing education program or activity education hours for a specific  
related to practice as a veterinary technician program or activity is the  
or any nonclinical subject relevant to number of hours approved by  
practice as a veterinary technician in a the sponsor or the approving  
veterinary  
practice,  
education, organization for the specific  
administration, management, or science program or activity.  
which includes, but is not limited to, live,  
in-person  
monitored  
programs;  
interactive  
or  
teleconferences,  
audio-  
conferences, or web-based programs;  
online programs; and journal articles or  
other self-study programs approved or  
offered by any of the following:  
American Association of Veterinary State  
Board (AAVSB) Registry of Continuing  
Education (RACE).  
American Veterinary Medical Association  
(AVMA).  
World Veterinary Association (WVA).  
Michigan Veterinary Medical Association  
(MVMA).  
Michigan Association of Veterinary  
Technicians (MAVT).  
A state veterinary board of another state.  
Local, state, or regional professional  
organization.  
Member institution of the Association of  
American Veterinary Medical Colleges  
(AAVMC).  
All AVMA constituent allied organizations  
and recognized veterinary specialty  
organizations.  
AVMA accredited veterinary technician  
program.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of a letter or certificate of completion  
showing the licensee’s name, number of  
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continuing education hours earned, the  
sponsor’s name or the name of the  
organization that approved the activity for  
continuing education credit, the name of  
the program or activity, and the date on  
which the program was held or the activity  
completed.  
(b)  
Attendance at or participation in a The number of continuing  
continuing education program or activity education hours for a specific  
related to practice as a veterinary technician activity or program is the  
which includes, but is not limited to, live-in number of hours approved by  
person programs; interactive or monitored the sponsor or approving  
teleconferences; web-based programs; organization for the specific  
online programs; and journal articles or program  
or  
activity.  
A
other self-study programs approved by or maximum of  
2
hours of  
offered by any of the following:  
continuing education may be  
earned for this activity in each  
renewal period.  
American Medical Association (AMA).  
Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS).  
Accreditation Council for Continuing  
Medical Education (ACCME).  
American Osteopathic Association (AOA).  
Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA).  
Educational courses offered by a regionally  
accredited college or university relating to  
the husbandry of food producing animals.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of a letter or certificate of completion  
showing the licensee’s name, number of  
continuing education hours earned, the  
sponsor’s name or the name of the  
organization that approved the activity, and  
the date on which the program was held or  
the activity completed.  
(c)  
Initial presentation of  
education program related to practice as a education are earned for each  
veterinarian technician provided to a state, 50 to 60 minutes of  
regional, national, or international presentation. No additional  
veterinary medicine organization.  
a
continuing Two hours of continuing  
credit is earned for preparation  
of the presentation. A maximum  
To receive credit, the presentation must not of  
5
hours of continuing  
be part of the licensee’s regular job education may be earned for  
description and must be approved or this activity in each renewal  
offered for continuing education credit by period.  
any of the following:  
MVM-RACE.  
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AVMA.  
WVA.  
MVMA.  
MAVT.  
A state veterinary board of another state.  
AMA.  
MSMS.  
ACCME.  
AOA.  
MOA.  
Member institution of the AAVMC.  
All AVMA constituent allied organizations  
and recognized veterinary specialty  
organizations.  
Educational courses offered by a regionally  
accredited college or university relating to  
the husbandry of food producing animals.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of the presentation notice or advertisement  
showing the date of the presentation, the  
licensee’s name listed as presenter, and the  
name of the organization that approved or  
offered the presentation for continuing  
education credit.  
(d)  
(e)  
(f)  
Initial publication of an article related to Five hours of continuing  
practice as a veterinary technician in a education are earned for serving  
peer-reviewed journal.  
as the primary author. Two  
hours of continuing education  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy are earned for serving as the  
of the publication that identifies the secondary author. A maximum  
licensee as the author or co-author or a of  
publication acceptance letter.  
5
hours of continuing  
education may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
Initial publication of a chapter related to Five hours of continuing  
practice as a veterinary technician in a education are earned for serving  
professional or peer-reviewed textbook.  
as the primary author. Two  
hours of continuing education  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy are earned for serving as the  
of the publication that identifies the secondary author. A maximum  
licensee as the author or co-author or a of  
publication acceptance letter.  
5
hours of continuing  
education may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
Service as  
a
clinical instructor for Two hours of continuing  
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veterinary technician students engaged in education are earned for each  
an educational program that satisfies the 50 to 60 minutes of scheduled  
requirements of R 338.4971a.  
instruction. No additional credit  
is earned for preparation of the  
To receive credit, the clinical instructorship lecture. A maximum of 5 hours  
shall not be the licensee’s primary may be earned for this activity  
employment function.  
in each renewal period.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit proof  
of scheduled instructional hours and a letter  
from the program director verifying the  
licensee’s role.  
(g)  
Participation on a state or national Two hours of continuing  
committee, board, council, or association education are earned for each  
related to practice as  
a
veterinary committee, board, council, or  
technician. A committee, board, council, or association. A maximum of 2  
association is considered acceptable by the hours of continuing education  
board if it enhances the participant’s may be earned for this activity  
knowledge and understanding of practice as in each renewal period.  
a veterinary technician.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit  
documentation verifying the licensee’s  
participation in at least 75% of the  
regularly scheduled meetings of the  
committee, board, council, or association.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
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;