Tennessee Veterinary Licensing Explained: The LVMT, Yearly CE Due December 31, and Premises Permits

Tennessee's rules have a few features that set it apart. Its technicians hold a distinctive title, the licensed veterinary medical technician (LVMT). Continuing education is counted every calendar year and due December 31, even though licenses renew every two years. And webinars count as multimedia, which is capped.

Who regulates veterinary medicine in Tennessee

The Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, created in 1905, licenses veterinarians, veterinary medical technicians and certified animal euthanasia technicians. It sits within the Tennessee Department of Health, supported by the Division of Health Related Boards in Nashville. The statutes are Title 63, Chapter 12 of the Tennessee Code, and the rules are in Chapter 1730.

Since January 1, 1997, Tennessee has also required a premises permit for veterinary facilities, with an inspection at renewal.

The LVMT

Under the board's rules, a person must hold a license to practice as a veterinary medical technician in Tennessee. The board adopted its "LVMT" naming policy in 2020, and its board even includes a seat held by an LVMT. The standard route is an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program and the VTNE; a 2024 board policy addresses programs accredited by the Canadian VMA. Applicants submit transcripts sent directly by their school, and the state uses criminal background checks.

Continuing education: every calendar year

From the board's published requirements:

Veterinarians: 20 hours a year

• 15 hours on the medical and surgical care of animals.
• Up to 5 hours on special interests outside medical and surgical care, such as practice management or state and federal regulatory programs.
• Up to 10 hours in a multimedia format.
• Every two years, 2 of the required hours must cover regulatory issues, controlled substances or professional ethics.

LVMTs: 12 hours a year

• Up to 4 hours in a multimedia format.

Rules for both

• Due December 31 each year.
• Exempt in the calendar year you graduate from an approved program.
• No credit for repeating the same course in a year.
• Keep documentation for four years after the end of the year the course was completed.
• Webinars are multimedia. The board's FAQ is explicit: a webinar is a video conference over the internet, so it counts against the multimedia cap, not as a live course. Except for multimedia, you must be physically present.
• Pre approved courses include RACE programs, accredited veterinary schools, AVMA recognized specialty boards, the USDA, veterinary associations at every level, and programs approved by another state's veterinary board. Other courses need approval at least 30 days before they run.

Failure to meet CE can lead to discipline, which is reported on the Department of Health's license verification site.

Renewal

Tennessee licenses renew every 24 months after the first license, which lasts at least 12 months as a new licensee joins the cycle. The expiration date is printed on the license. Renewal opens online about 100 days before expiration. Practicing on an expired license violates the law and the board's rules.

A warning from the Department of Health: some licensees have received fraudulent calls claiming to be from their board, threatening suspension or demanding payment. Board investigators never ask for personal or financial details by phone.

How to verify a Tennessee license

The Department of Health's license verification shows each license's status, expiration and any discipline. Search by name or number and confirm the type (veterinarian or LVMT). See how to verify a veterinary license.

What this means for Tennessee practices

• Plan CE by calendar year, not by renewal cycle. Everyone owes hours by December 31.
• Do not count on webinars alone. Veterinarians can use at most 10 multimedia hours a year and LVMTs 4. Budget for in person CE.
• Keep the premises permit current, and submit facility renewals about 90 days early to leave time for inspection.

How Zuse helps

Zuse Hire shows Tennessee practices the licensed veterinarians and LVMTs nearby, checked against the state record. On Zuse Talent, Tennessee veterinarians and technicians can claim their license and browse vet tech jobs and veterinarian jobs with pay shown.

Sources

• Tennessee Department of Health, Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, including continuing education and FAQs
• Rules of the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Chapter 1730-03, veterinary medical technicians

Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

FAQ

What is an LVMT in Tennessee?

A licensed veterinary medical technician, Tennessee's credential for veterinary technicians, issued by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

How much CE do Tennessee veterinarians need?

Twenty hours every calendar year, due December 31: 15 on medical and surgical care, up to 5 on other veterinary topics, and up to 10 in multimedia. Every two years, 2 hours must cover regulation, controlled substances or ethics.

How much CE do Tennessee LVMTs need?

Twelve hours every calendar year, due December 31, with no more than 4 hours in a multimedia format.

Do webinars count as live CE in Tennessee?

No. The board treats webinars as multimedia, which is capped at 10 hours a year for veterinarians and 4 for LVMTs.

How often do Tennessee veterinary licenses renew?

Every 24 months after the first license. Renewal opens online about 100 days before expiration.