Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Overview
Key Licensing Rules
- Any graduate of a veterinary program must be licensed before practicing.
- Full-time veterinary students may practice only under direct supervision during externships or preceptorships.
- Employers should not enter into binding agreements with unlicensed candidates. Employment offers should be contingent on obtaining a Texas license.
Eligibility Requirements
Criminal History and Fingerprinting
As of October 1, 2018, all applicants must meet the fingerprinting requirement and submit fingerprints before licensure. Any individuals with concerns about a criminal history affecting their eligibility can request a pre-licensure evaluation.
Educational Requirements
DVM license applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine or hold an ECFVG or PAVE certificate.
- Pass the NAVLE (or NBE/CCT) within five attempts. For details, visit NBVME.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
- 17 Hours Annually: Includes 2 hours on opioids every two years.
- Up to 17 hours may be from live/in real-time/interactive courses— in person or online.
- Up to 5 hours may be from non-interactive/pre-recorded/on-demand correspondence courses.
- Up to 5 hours may be from practice management courses.
- Up to 3 hours may be from self-study.
The ONLY approved opioid and controlled substances courses are on the following list. Please choose one to fulfill your requirement::
| Provider Name: | Class Name(s): |
| AVMA Axon | Opioids and Drug Diversion: Veterinary Trends (1 credit) and Get Your Controlled Substances Under Control (1 credit) |
| Drip Learning Technologies | Opioid 411 |
| IntroVet | Opioids: Safety, Storage, and Responsible Pain Management |
| Oklahoma State University | 2025 Opioid CE – Pain Management in Animals Refresher with Dr. Bini |
| Texas A&M | Veterinary Opioids |
| University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign | Safe Prescription of Opioids in Veterinary Care |
| Vet Med Team | Controlled Drugs: Recordkeeping and Diversion Prevention in Veterinary Medicine |
| Zoetis | Controlled Substances 101 – How And Why You Must Comply! |
| Animal and Veterinary Legal Services | A One Health Approach to the Opioid Crisis: Controlled Substance Awareness Training |
| Roasa Law | Controlled Substances Training for Veterinarians – lance@roasalaw.com |
| TBVME/DEA | Opioid Course (DEA agents required as instructors) |
Important Notes
- CE completed before licensure does not count toward requirements.
- Maintain records of CE certificates for 4 years for audit purposes.
- Failure to meet CE requirements may result in disciplinary action.
- See Rule 573.66.
Refer to Rule 573.65 for acceptable CE types and Approved Providers for more details.
On the Continuing Education page, you can find more information including Proof of Continuing Education and Acceptable CE Providers.
Applying for a DVM License
To practice in Texas, applicants must pass the State Board Exam (SBE) and meet all licensing eligibility requirements. Practicing with an expired license violates state law.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to begin the application process.
Helpful Links
- Controlled Substance 101-(How And Why You Must Comply)
- AVMA — Accredited Schools
- Opioid CE Provider: Drip.vet
- 2025 Opioid CE – Pain Management in Animals Refresher with Dr. Bini
- Chapter 571: Licensing
- Chapter 573: Rules of Professional Conduct
- Chapter 575: Practice and Procedure
- Chapter 577: General Administration and Duties
Need more help? Contact the Licensing Department at 512-305-7555 or email licensing@veterinary.texas.gov.
