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Missouri Veterinary Technician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Veterinary Technician Registration (Certificate of Registration)

Registration issued by the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board to practice as a registered veterinary technician under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (RSMo 340.296-340.330; 20 CSR 2270-3).

Licensing authority: Missouri Veterinary Medical Board · Application information

Renewal or reinstatement after lapse during active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Holder of a current registration engaged in active military duty whose registration lapsed during that service (20 CSR 2270-1.051(1)).
Notice
Notice of Active Military Duty with active duty orders filed no later than sixty days after completion of active duty (20 CSR 2270-1.051(1)(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-02-28.

Registration by grade score transfer
Additional Requirement
If a passing score was not received within three attempts, the Board may require the applicant to appear before it and/or submit evidence of continuing education (RSMo 340.306.2).
Education
Education requirements of RSMo 340.300.3 and 20 CSR 2270-3.011 apply.
Eligibility
Not licensed in another jurisdiction for five consecutive years, or does not qualify for reciprocity because the other state's requirements are not substantially equal to Missouri's (RSMo 340.306.2; 20 CSR 2270-3.030(4)).
Vtne Score Age
The VTNE must have been taken within five years of the application with a score at least equal to Missouri's passing score of 425 (RSMo 340.306.2; 20 CSR 2270-3.030(4); 20 CSR 2270-3.020(3)).
Registration of a military or law enforcement spouse under RSMo 324.009.3(2)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
A nonresident or resident military or law enforcement spouse as defined in RSMo 324.009.1, holding a valid current license in another state, a branch or unit of the military, a territory, or the District of Columbia for at least one year at the same practice level (RSMo 324.009.2).
Disqualifications
RSMo 324.009.4 exclusions apply (revocation elsewhere, pending investigation or complaint, not in good standing, disqualifying criminal record).
Examinations Stated By Board
RSMo 324.009.3(2) (statute) waives any examination requirement for this applicant; the Board nevertheless states: Board form 375-0280 (implementation): "Further, 20 CSR 2270-3.080, RSMo, requires all applicants including reciprocity, to take and pass the Missouri State Board Examination, before a permanent registration can be issued." 20 CSR 2270-3.020(1) (administrative rule): "All applicants for registration as a veterinary technician in Missouri shall take both" the VTNE and the Missouri State Board Examination.
Timing
The Board acts within thirty days of receiving the application (RSMo 324.009.3(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-28.

Restoration of a noncurrent certificate of registration within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Certification of the required approved continuing education under 20 CSR 2270-4.050.
Employment
Verification of employment under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Fees
Current renewal fee, all delinquent renewal fees and the penalty fee (20 CSR 2270-1.050(3)(B)).
Window
Application within two years of the registration renewal date; after two years the holder must apply for a new certificate (RSMo 340.320.2; 20 CSR 2270-1.050(3)(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2008-12-30.

Registration by reciprocity under RSMo 340.306.1 and 20 CSR 2270 3.030(1) (five consecutive years of supervised employment)
Attempt Limit
No person may take any examination more than four times in or out of Missouri (20 CSR 2270-3.030(2)(D)).
Employment
Employed as a registered veterinary technician and supervised by a licensed veterinarian for at least five consecutive years preceding the application (RSMo 340.306.1(2); 20 CSR 2270-3.030(1)(A)).
Prior Registration
Currently registered in another state, territory, district or province of the United States or Canada with admission standards substantially the same as Missouri's, in effect when the applicant was first admitted (RSMo 340.306.1(1); 20 CSR 2270-3.030(1)(B)).
Statutory Discretion
RSMo 340.306.1 permits the Board to issue the certificate "without examination"; the Board's rule 20 CSR 2270-3.030(2)(D) requires evidence of a passing VTNE score and its form requires all applicants including reciprocity to pass the Missouri State Board Examination.
Verification
Verification Request Form from the licensing authority of each state in which the applicant has ever been registered (20 CSR 2270-3.030(2)(C)).
Vtne Score
Passing VTNE score as defined in 20 CSR 2270-3.020, reported by the national testing service (20 CSR 2270-3.030(2)(D)).
Registration by reciprocity under RSMo 324.009 (registered at least one year in another jurisdiction)
Missouri State Board Examination
Disqualifications
No waiver for an applicant whose license was revoked elsewhere, who is under investigation, has a pending complaint or disciplinary action, is not in good standing, or has a disqualifying criminal record (RSMo 324.009.4).
Prior Licensure
Holds a valid current veterinary technician registration issued by another state, a branch or unit of the military, a territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, held for at least one year, at the same practice level (RSMo 324.009.2).
State Law Examination
RSMo 324.009.3(1) lets a board that administers an examination on Missouri law require it; the Board's form requires all applicants including reciprocity to take and pass the Missouri State Board Examination.
Verification
A certified document from the other state's licensing agency verifying that the applicant met examination, education and experience requirements and is active and in good standing (form 375-0280, documents item 6).
Vtne Stated By Board
RSMo 324.009.3(1) (statute) waives examination requirements for this route, so the VTNE is not a requirement of it; the Board nevertheless states: 20 CSR 2270-3.020(1) (administrative rule): "All applicants for registration as a veterinary technician in Missouri shall take both" the VTNE and the Missouri State Board Examination. Board form 375-0280, documents item 4 (implementation): "VTNE scores must be submitted by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The minimum criterion referenced score required in Missouri for the VTNE is 425."
Waiver Determination
The Board waives examination, educational and experience requirements if it determines that minimum education requirements (and, if applicable, work experience and clinical supervision requirements) were in effect and the other jurisdiction verifies the applicant met them (RSMo 324.009.3(1)).
Registration by examination
Age
At least eighteen years of age (RSMo 340.300.3(1)).
Attempt Limit
No person may take either examination more than four times in or out of Missouri; before the fourth attempt the applicant must appear before the board to outline a board-approved continuing education program (20 CSR 2270-3.020(6); RSMo 340.302.3).
Character
Of good moral character (RSMo 340.300.3(2)).
Education
Completed a college level course of study in veterinary technology in a school with a board-approved curriculum, or a post-high school college level course in the care and treatment of animals accredited by the AVMA (RSMo 340.300.3(3); 20 CSR 2270-3.011(1)); military education, training or service may be submitted as evidence (20 CSR 2270-3.045).
Employment
The certificate is issued only after proof of employment and supervision by a licensed veterinarian (RSMo 340.310; Verification of Employment form).
Passing Scores
VTNE minimum criterion referenced score of 425; 70% correct on the Missouri State Board Examination (20 CSR 2270-3.020(3)).
Score Validity
Test scores are accepted for a period not to exceed five years (20 CSR 2270-3.020(5)).
Timing
An applicant may apply for the examinations during the final semester of college; no certificate is issued until the official transcript verifying the degree is received directly from the institution (20 CSR 2270-3.020(4)).
Renewal of an active or inactive certificate of registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Renewal application signed by the supervising veterinarian certifying the required approved continuing education under 20 CSR 2270-4.050 (RSMo 340.324; 20 CSR 2270-1.050(2)(B)).
Deadline
Renewal application and fee submitted before the registration expiration date; renewal fees are due on or before November 30 each year (20 CSR 2270-1.050(2)(B); form 375-0280).
Inactive Status
A technician not employed under a licensed veterinarian's supervision renews on inactive status with an affidavit of non-practice (RSMo 340.322; 20 CSR 2270-1.050(2)(C)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2008-12-30.

Missouri State Board Examination

Provider
Missouri Veterinary Medical Board
Format
Open-book multiple-choice test taken online through a secure Board website with a Board-issued PIN; after two failed attempts, a proctored paper-and-pencil examination at the Board office in Jefferson City
Exam questions
50 multiple-choice questions
Passing score
70% correct
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Chapter 340, RSMo (Missouri Veterinary Medical Practice Act)
  • 20 CSR 2270-1 General Rules
  • 20 CSR 2270-2 Licensure Requirements for Veterinarians
  • 20 CSR 2270-3 Registration Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
  • 20 CSR 2270-4 Minimum Standards
  • 20 CSR 2270-5 Veterinary Facilities Permits
  • 20 CSR 2270-6 Professional Conduct for the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
  • 20 CSR 2270-7 Disciplinary Proceedings
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