Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) Jobs

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a credentialed technician licensed through a state veterinary board that uses the CVT title. The clinical responsibilities match what's generally described as a veterinary technician elsewhere: diagnostics, anesthesia monitoring, surgical assistance, medication administration, and hands-on patient care provided under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Becoming a CVT typically requires completing an accredited veterinary technology program and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), plus any additional requirements set by the specific state board issuing the credential. Keeping the certification active generally requires continuing education, with specific renewal timelines and credit hour requirements set at the state level.

CVT jobs appear across general practice, emergency and critical care, specialty referral hospitals, and research or academic settings. Experienced CVTs often move into lead technician or training roles, or pursue a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in a clinical focus area such as internal medicine, dentistry, or emergency and critical care, broadening both their responsibilities and their career options.

If your license uses a different title, such as RVT or LVT, the underlying role is functionally the same, just credentialed differently by state. For exact licensing and renewal details, or questions about reciprocity if you're relocating, your own state veterinary board remains the most reliable and current source of information.

If you're relocating from a state that uses a different credentialing title, check your new state's reciprocity rules before applying, since most states recognize equivalent out-of-state credentials but the transfer process and timeline can vary. Confirming this early avoids delays once you've found a role you want to pursue.