Michigan Veterinary Licensing Explained: Three Year Renewals, the 45 and 15 Hour CE Rules and Opioid Training

Michigan licenses veterinarians and veterinary technicians on a three year cycle, longer than most states. A long cycle is convenient until the end of it, when three years of continuing education come due at once. Michigan's rules also include requirements that catch people out: in person hours, medical records and law hours for veterinarians, and opioid training tied to a separate controlled substance license.

Who regulates veterinary medicine in Michigan

The Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine sets the standards, and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Bureau of Professional Licensing, issues and renews licenses. The rules are in the Michigan Administrative Code, with general rules for licensed veterinary technicians at R 338.4971 to R 338.4993. The practice act is part of Michigan's Public Health Code.

Michigan's technician credential is the licensed veterinary technician (LVT). The standard route is graduation from an AVMA accredited program and a passing VTNE score. LARA publishes a Veterinary Technician Licensing Guide with the current steps.

Continuing education

LARA has partnered with CE Broker so licensees can track CE online. The Michigan VMA summarizes the requirements for each three year renewal cycle.

Veterinarians: 45 hours

• At least 30 hours of medical training.
• 1 hour of veterinary law or controlled substance education.
• 1 hour of medical records education.
• At least 12 hours in person: 6 must be truly in person, and 6 may be virtual if viewed live, not on demand.

Licensed veterinary technicians: 15 hours

Under R 338.4993, LVTs need 15 hours in each renewal cycle, with no more than 12 hours earned in any one 24 hour period. So a single weekend conference cannot cover the whole requirement.

Approved sources include RACE, the AVMA, the World Veterinary Association, the Michigan VMA, the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians, other states' veterinary boards, AAVMC member schools, AVMA recognized specialty organizations and AVMA accredited technician programs. Courses from human medical bodies such as the AMA or ACCME, and college courses on food animal husbandry, count for at most 2 hours per cycle. Presenting a CE program and publishing peer reviewed articles or textbook chapters can each earn up to 5 hours.

Opioid training and the controlled substance license

Michigan veterinarians who handle controlled substances hold a separate Michigan Controlled Substance license, in addition to a federal DEA registration. According to the Michigan VMA, since May 2024 opioid training must be completed in each three year controlled substance renewal cycle, covering the topics in R 338.3135:

• use of opioids and other controlled substances;
• integration of treatments and alternative pain management;
• counseling on the risks of opioids;
• the stigma of addiction;
• using MAPS, Michigan's prescription monitoring program;
• state and federal prescribing and dispensing law; and
• security, safe prescriptions and disposal.

It does not have to be done in one sitting, but it must cover all of these.

How to verify a Michigan license

LARA publishes license verification for the health professions it regulates. Search by name or license number, confirm the type (veterinarian or LVT), and read the status and expiration. For a veterinarian who prescribes, check the controlled substance license too. See how to verify a veterinary license.

What this means for Michigan practices

• Budget CE across the cycle, not in the last year. Paying for an in person conference each year helps veterinarians meet the in person rule without a scramble.
• Track controlled substance licenses separately. They run on their own cycle with their own training requirement.
• Ask for LVT in job posts when you need the credential. See how to write a veterinary job posting.

How Zuse helps

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

Sources

• Michigan Administrative Code, R 338.4993, Acceptable continuing education for veterinary technicians
• Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, CE FAQ
• Michigan LARA, Veterinary Medicine and CE Broker

Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with LARA and the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine.

FAQ

How often do Michigan veterinary licenses renew?

Every three years, for both veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.

How much CE do Michigan veterinarians need?

Forty five hours every three years, including at least 30 medical hours, 1 hour of law or controlled substances, 1 hour of medical records, and at least 12 hours in person or live.

How much CE do Michigan vet techs need?

Fifteen hours every three years, with no more than 12 hours earned in any one 24 hour period.

Do Michigan veterinarians need opioid training?

Those with a Michigan Controlled Substance license do, in each three year controlled substance renewal cycle since May 2024, covering the topics listed in R 338.3135.

How do I track CE in Michigan?

LARA has partnered with CE Broker, an online service where licensees can record and track their continuing education.