Best Vet Tech Programs in Louisiana: Complete 2027 Guide to Becoming an RVT
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Explore Louisiana’s top vet tech programs, compare degrees and admission requirements, and learn how to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in 2027.
Reviewed by: vettechprograms.org
Last updated: October 2026
What You Need to Know First
Louisiana has four veterinary technology programs for students pursuing the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) pathway: Baton Rouge Community College in Baton Rouge, Delgado Community College in New Orleans, Northshore Technical Community College in Greensburg, and Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches.
To become an RVT in Louisiana, the standard pathway is to complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and pass Louisiana’s state jurisprudence examination. Louisiana also recognizes an alternative pathway for applicants who complete a Board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution of higher education and have two years of actual veterinary-practice experience under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
The Louisiana Board’s current RVT application fees total $95 to $105, depending on whether a $10 VTNE score-transfer fee applies. The VTNE has a separate $375 fee paid through AAVSB. The Louisiana jurisprudence examination has a $40 Board fee, plus a $50 third-party testing fee when the online option is selected.
Louisiana RVT certificates renew every year. The regular RVT renewal fee is $30, and the renewal deadline is September 30.
This guide covers all four Louisiana programs, the RVT certification process, examination requirements, renewal and continuing education rules, online options, and current Louisiana vet tech salary information.
Louisiana Vet Tech Career at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| State Credential | Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) |
| Licensing Board | Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine |
| National Exam | Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) |
| VTNE Fee | $375 |
| State Exam | Louisiana jurisprudence examination |
| State Exam Format | 26 questions, 30 minutes |
| State Exam Passing Score | 70% |
| Board Application Fees | $95–$105 |
| Online State Exam Fee | $50 third-party testing fee |
| Annual Renewal Fee | $30 |
| Renewal Deadline | September 30 |
| CE Requirement | 10 hours per fiscal year |
| Maximum Online CE | 5 hours per fiscal year |
| Louisiana Programs | 4 |
| Louisiana Median Salary | $35,530 (BLS OEWS, May 2025) |
| U.S. Median Salary | $47,380 (BLS, May 2025) |
Sources: Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, AVMA CVTEA, AAVSB, individual college program pages, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Quick Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Best Path in Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge area resident | Baton Rouge Community College |
| New Orleans area resident | Delgado Community College |
| Northshore / Florida Parishes area resident | Northshore Technical Community College |
| Northwest Louisiana resident | Northwestern State University |
| Want an associate degree followed by a bachelor’s | Delgado → Northwestern State pathway |
| Want a bachelor’s degree | Northwestern State University |
| Need greater schedule flexibility | Consider an AVMA-accredited distance-learning program and verify Louisiana eligibility before enrolling |
| Want to test the field first | Volunteer or shadow at a veterinary clinic |
AVMA-Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana has four veterinary technology programs that students commonly consider for the state’s RVT pathway:
- Baton Rouge Community College
- Delgado Community College
- Northshore Technical Community College
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Accreditation status can change as programs undergo reviews. Before paying tuition or enrolling, verify the program’s current status with AVMA CVTEA and the college.
1. Baton Rouge Community College
Location: Baton Rouge
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology
Program: Five-semester, full-time, selective-admission program
Best for: Students in the Baton Rouge region who want a community-college veterinary technology program
Baton Rouge Community College offers a five-semester, full-time Veterinary Technology AAS program. The program is selective and prepares students for veterinary practice and other animal-health careers.
BRCC states that its Veterinary Technology program is based on American Veterinary Medical Association requirements and that graduates are eligible to take the VTNE and pursue Louisiana RVT credentialing.
BRCC’s current program information reports a 69.23% three-year VTNE pass rate for first-time candidates from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025. The college also reports a 70% annual graduation rate and 100% job placement rate for 2025 graduates.
BRCC’s 2026 application cycle has closed. The college currently lists the next application period as March 1, 2027, through May 28, 2027.
2. Delgado Community College
Location: New Orleans
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology
Program: Full-time, five-semester program
Best for: Students in the New Orleans area
Delgado’s detailed Veterinary Technology AAS page currently describes the program as a full-time, five-semester program. The program admits one class per year beginning in the fall and has limited enrollment.
Applicants must meet the program’s admission requirements, including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of required prerequisite general education courses
- Minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0
- Ability to meet the program’s technical standards
- 50 hours of observation at a veterinary hospital
- Background and drug screening requirements
- Rabies pre-exposure vaccination before acceptance
Delgado reports a 62% graduation rate for 2025, a 100% employment rate for 2025 graduates, and a 58% three-year VTNE pass rate for first-time candidates from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.
Delgado’s program page states that the completed application deadline is May 1 each year.
Delgado’s Bachelor’s Pathway
Delgado has an articulation agreement with Northwestern State University for a 2 + 2 pathway from the AAS in Veterinary Technology to a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Veterinary Technology concentration.
The NSU courses are offered online/remotely, and students must complete at least 30 hours at Northwestern State to graduate with the NSU bachelor’s degree.
Delgado’s detailed AAS page currently says five semesters. Because other Delgado program materials have displayed different semester counts, prospective students should confirm the current course sequence and expected completion timeline directly with the college.
3. Northshore Technical Community College
Location: Greensburg
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology
Best for: Students in the Northshore and Florida Parishes region
Northshore Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science Veterinary Technology program through its Florida Parishes Campus.
The program prepares students for veterinary technology work through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Northshore’s current program data reports a 35% three-year VTNE pass rate for first-time candidates from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024.
Because program outcomes are updated periodically, students should check the college’s latest published VTNE, graduation, admission, and program information before applying.
4. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Location: Natchitoches
Degrees: Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology and Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Veterinary Technology concentration
Best for: Students who want an associate or bachelor’s degree and students interested in a longer academic pathway
Northwestern State University offers two Veterinary Technology degree options:
- Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology — 82 credit hours
- Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Veterinary Technology concentration — 120 credit hours
Both degree options provide the educational requirements necessary to sit for the VTNE.
The associate degree provides a direct veterinary technology pathway, while the bachelor’s option combines biology coursework with veterinary technology training.
The bachelor’s degree can be particularly useful for students considering additional education, research, teaching, or veterinary school preparation.
Comparing Louisiana’s Four Programs
| Factor | Baton Rouge CC | Delgado CC | Northshore Technical CC | Northwestern State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Baton Rouge | New Orleans | Greensburg | Natchitoches |
| Degree | AAS | AAS | AAS | Associate or BS |
| Program Format | Full-time, selective | Full-time, limited enrollment | AAS program | Associate or bachelor’s |
| Program Length | 5 semesters | 5 semesters* | Check current catalog | 82-credit AD / 120-credit BS |
| VTNE Pass Rate | 69.23%** | 58%** | 35%*** | Check current school data |
| Notable Feature | Baton Rouge option | Delgado → NSU pathway | Northshore option | In-state bachelor’s option |
* Delgado’s detailed AAS page currently lists five semesters. Confirm the current course sequence with the college.
** Reported three-year VTNE pass rate for the stated reporting period.
*** Northshore reports a 35% three-year VTNE pass rate for January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024.
VTNE pass rates use different reporting periods and should not be treated as a direct ranking of program quality. Students should also compare tuition, admission requirements, clinical training, graduation rates, employment outcomes, faculty, and location.
Online Options for Louisiana Students
Louisiana students who need more scheduling flexibility can consider AVMA-accredited distance-learning veterinary technology programs located outside Louisiana.
An online or distance-learning veterinary technology program still requires hands-on clinical education. Clinical-placement arrangements vary by school.
Before enrolling in an online program, confirm:
- The program’s current AVMA CVTEA accreditation status
- How clinical placements are arranged
- Whether required clinical work can be completed in Louisiana
- Whether the Louisiana Board will recognize the education for RVT certification
- Current tuition and admission requirements
Do not assume that every online veterinary technology program automatically qualifies a graduate for Louisiana RVT certification.
How to Become an RVT in Louisiana: Step-by-Step Process
These requirements are based on the current Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine application and examination information. Fees, procedures, and rules can change, so verify current details with the Board before applying.
Step 1: Graduate From an Eligible Veterinary Technology Program
The standard Louisiana pathway is graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Louisiana also recognizes an alternative pathway for applicants who complete a Board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution of higher education and have two years of actual experience working in a veterinary practice under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
If you are considering a program that is not AVMA accredited, contact the Louisiana Board before enrolling.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Through the Board’s Portal
New student and graduate applicants apply through the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine’s online Application Portal.
Applicants should select the RVT Student/New Graduate application and complete the required sections.
The current application includes information such as:
- Personal information
- Education history
- VTNE attempts
- Employment history
- Supporting documentation
- Declarations and attestations
- Fee payment
The Board recommends submitting the application and payment before uploading supplemental documentation so the Board can create and update the applicant’s document checklist.
Required documentation can include a current photograph, veterinary technology diploma or official transcript, and official VTNE score information.
Step 3: Pay the Louisiana Board Fees
The current RVT application fee structure is:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-refundable application fee | $25 |
| Original certification fee | $30 |
| State board exam fee | $40 |
| VTNE score-transfer fee, if applicable | $10 |
| Typical total | $95–$105 |
The $10 score-transfer fee applies only when a VTNE score is being transferred from another state.
A separate $50 third-party testing fee applies if the online state jurisprudence exam option is selected.
Credit/debit card payments to the Board are also subject to a 2.5% service fee.
Step 4: Pass the VTNE
The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is administered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
The current VTNE fee is $375.
The examination contains 170 multiple-choice questions, including 150 scored questions and 20 pilot questions, and the examination appointment is three hours.
Louisiana requires the VTNE to have been passed within three years from the application submission date.
If the score is older than three years, the applicant generally must retake the examination unless the Board’s specific waiver criteria apply.
The VTNE is separate from Louisiana’s jurisprudence examination.
Step 5: Pass the Louisiana State Jurisprudence Exam
Louisiana requires RVT applicants to pass a state jurisprudence examination covering the laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine in Louisiana.
Exam details:
- 26 multiple-choice questions
- 30 minutes
- 70% minimum passing score
- Available online or in person
- $40 Louisiana Board examination fee
- $50 third-party testing fee for the online option
Currently enrolled RVT students may take the jurisprudence examination once they are within 60 days of their anticipated graduation date.
The state examination is independent of the VTNE and can be taken before or after the VTNE.
The Board currently states that students enrolled in Louisiana’s four veterinary technology programs may not need to submit a separate anticipated graduation form because eligible graduate lists can be submitted directly by the programs.
Step 6: Receive Your RVT Certificate
After completing the required education, examinations, documentation, and Board review, eligible applicants receive their Louisiana RVT certification.
Do not practice under the RVT credential until your certification has been issued and is active.
Step 7: Renew Every Year by September 30
Louisiana RVT certificates expire annually on September 30.
Renewal is available through the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine License Portal from July 1 through September 30.
The current RVT renewal fee is:
$30
The late renewal fee is:
$20
A renewal is not considered complete simply because the application was submitted. The Board requires the renewal application, applicable fees, and acceptable continuing-education documentation to be complete.
If required CE documentation remains incomplete by September 30, the certificate can expire on October 1.
Practicing with an expired credential is not permitted.
Louisiana RVT Continuing Education Requirements
Louisiana RVTs must complete 10 actual hours of continuing education each fiscal year.
The CE period runs from:
July 1 through June 30
No more than 5 of the required 10 hours may be earned through online participation, including qualifying interactive online meetings.
CE certificates must contain the required information, including:
- RVT’s full name
- Course or program name
- Sponsor or presenter
- Date of attendance
- Total hours completed
- Delivery method
- Specific subject matter
The Board allows RVTs to enter completed CE activities into the LBVM License Portal throughout the year.
Important 2026 Renewal Note
The Louisiana Board states that if a license or certificate was issued after May 1, 2026, the credential did not need to be renewed during the Summer 2026 renewal cycle.
This is specifically stated for the 2026 renewal cycle. Always check the Board’s current renewal instructions for the applicable year.
What Most Louisiana Guides Miss
The alternative RVT pathway
Louisiana does not limit every RVT applicant to the standard AVMA-accredited-program pathway.
The Board also allows an applicant to qualify through a Board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution combined with two years of actual veterinary-practice experience under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
If you are considering a non-AVMA-accredited program, verify eligibility with the Board before enrolling.
The VTNE has a three-year time limit for Louisiana applications
Louisiana requires the VTNE to have been passed within three years of the application submission date, subject to the Board’s waiver criteria.
Students who pass the VTNE but delay their Louisiana application for too long may have to retake the exam.
The jurisprudence exam is separate from the VTNE
Passing the VTNE does not by itself complete the Louisiana RVT certification process.
Applicants must also pass Louisiana’s state jurisprudence examination.
CE documentation matters
Louisiana requires complete documentation of continuing education activities.
If CE certificates are missing required information, the Board may not accept the hours. An incomplete renewal can result in the RVT certificate expiring after September 30.
Delgado has a once-a-year application cycle
Delgado’s current AAS program admits one class per year beginning in the fall, and the application deadline is May 1.
Students interested in Delgado should plan prerequisite coursework and the required 50 observation hours well before the application deadline.
Louisiana Vet Tech Salary and Job Outlook
Louisiana veterinary technician wages are below the national median.
What the Data Shows
| Measure | Louisiana | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $35,530 | $47,380 |
| Technician employment | 2,220 | 131,400 |
Louisiana’s figure is based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for May 2025. The national median is from BLS May 2025 data.
Louisiana’s median is approximately $11,850, or about 25%, below the national median.
How to Read This
- A median is not a starting salary.
- Actual pay varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, schedule, and benefits.
- Emergency and specialty practices may offer different compensation from general-practice clinics.
- Compare actual local job offers rather than relying only on a statewide median.
- Benefits, overtime, shift differentials, retirement plans, and continuing-education support can affect total compensation.
The BLS publishes state and area wage estimates through its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, so salary figures should be updated when newer OEWS data becomes available.
National Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects national employment of veterinary technologists and technicians to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
BLS projects approximately 13,400 openings per year on average during the 2025–2035 period.
These are national projections and do not guarantee a particular level of job growth in every Louisiana city.
Financial Aid for Louisiana Vet Tech Students
Contact each program’s financial aid office for current award amounts, eligibility rules, and deadlines.
Potential sources of financial assistance include:
- FAFSA
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal student loans
- Federal work-study
- Louisiana state financial aid programs
- Institutional scholarships
- Professional veterinary scholarships
- Employer tuition assistance
Louisiana students should also investigate programs such as TOPS and other state financial-aid programs if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
Not every student or program qualifies for every type of aid, so confirm eligibility with the college’s financial aid office.
Why Accreditation Matters in Louisiana
Accreditation matters because veterinary technology education and credentialing requirements are regulated at the state level.
The standard Louisiana RVT pathway requires completion of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Louisiana also recognizes an alternative pathway involving a Board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution of higher education plus two years of actual veterinary-practice experience under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
If you consider an out-of-state or online program, verify its current accreditation status and contact the Louisiana Board before paying tuition.
Accreditation status can change, so do not rely solely on an old school webpage or third-party directory.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Enrolling in Louisiana
1. Which program is realistic for where you live?
Louisiana’s veterinary technology programs are located in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Greensburg, and Natchitoches.
Consider:
- Commute time
- Transportation
- Clinical requirements
- Class schedule
- Housing
- Total cost
A program that looks inexpensive can become more expensive if you have a long daily commute.
2. Can you meet the admission requirements?
Requirements differ by school.
For example, Delgado currently requires prerequisite coursework, a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA, 50 hours of veterinary-hospital observation, and other program requirements.
Check each school’s current admission page before preparing your application.
3. Do you want an associate or bachelor’s degree?
An associate degree is the common starting point for veterinary technician education.
A bachelor’s degree may be useful for students interested in additional education, research, teaching, or veterinary school preparation.
Northwestern State offers both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Veterinary Technology concentration.
4. What does the program’s VTNE data show?
Published VTNE pass rates can provide useful information, but they should not be the only factor in choosing a program.
Also consider:
- Graduation rate
- Employment rate
- Tuition
- Clinical training
- Admission requirements
- Faculty
- Student support
- Location
- Program length
5. Are you comfortable with Louisiana pay?
Louisiana’s May 2025 median wage is below the national median.
Before committing to a program, search current job postings in the Louisiana area where you expect to work and talk with local veterinary employers about typical starting compensation.
Is a Vet Tech Career Right for You in Louisiana?
Vet tech work can be meaningful, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding.
Before enrolling, consider whether the daily responsibilities match your interests and expectations.
Strong fit if you:
- Stay calm during animal emergencies
- Handle medical procedures, blood, and injured animals without distress
- Communicate well with worried pet owners
- Have the stamina for long periods on your feet
- Can handle animal restraint
- Pay close attention to detail
- Can handle euthanasia and difficult cases
- Enjoy working as part of a veterinary healthcare team
Worth reconsidering if you:
- Cannot tolerate blood or medical procedures
- Prefer administrative or office-only work
- Are uncomfortable with animal restraint
- Have difficulty working in stressful clinical environments
- Need a high starting salary immediately
- Do not want to work evenings, weekends, or holidays when required
Volunteer or shadow at a Louisiana veterinary clinic before committing to a program. Real-world exposure can help you understand the profession before making a major education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Vet Tech Programs
What credential do Louisiana vet techs hold?
Louisiana uses the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential.
Applicants must meet the Board’s education requirements, pass the required examinations, submit the necessary documentation, and receive certification from the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.
How many accredited vet tech programs are in Louisiana?
Louisiana has four veterinary technology programs commonly used by students pursuing the state’s RVT pathway:
- Baton Rouge Community College
- Delgado Community College
- Northshore Technical Community College
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Because accreditation status can change, verify the current status with AVMA CVTEA and the school before enrolling.
How much does it cost to get certified in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Board currently lists $95–$105 in RVT application fees.
The standard $95 consists of:
- $25 application fee
- $30 original certification fee
- $40 state board exam fee
A $10 score-transfer fee applies when a VTNE score is transferred from another state.
The VTNE costs $375 separately through AAVSB.
If you take the Louisiana jurisprudence examination online, there is also a $50 third-party testing fee.
These amounts do not include veterinary technology school tuition, books, supplies, transportation, or other education expenses.
Does Louisiana require a state exam?
Yes.
RVT applicants must pass Louisiana’s jurisprudence examination.
The exam currently contains:
- 26 multiple-choice questions
- 30 minutes
- 70% minimum passing score
It can be taken online or in person.
How often do Louisiana RVT certificates renew?
Louisiana RVT certificates expire annually on September 30.
Renewals are completed through the Board’s License Portal between July 1 and September 30.
The current RVT renewal fee is $30, and the late renewal fee is $20.
How many CE hours do Louisiana RVTs need?
Louisiana RVTs must complete 10 actual CE hours per fiscal year, from July 1 through June 30.
No more than 5 of the required 10 hours may be earned through online participation.
How much do vet techs make in Louisiana?
BLS May 2025 data reports a Louisiana median annual wage of approximately $35,530 for veterinary technologists and technicians.
The national median was $47,380.
Actual pay varies by experience, location, employer, specialty, schedule, and benefits.
How long is my VTNE score valid for a Louisiana application?
Louisiana requires the VTNE to have been passed within three years of the application submission date, unless the Board’s waiver criteria apply.
If the score is older than three years and no waiver applies, the applicant must retake the examination.
Can I become an RVT in Louisiana without graduating from an AVMA-accredited program?
Potentially.
Louisiana recognizes an alternative pathway for applicants who complete a Board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution of higher education and have two years of actual veterinary-practice experience under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Contact the Louisiana Board before enrolling in a non-AVMA-accredited program to confirm that your planned education and experience will meet the requirements.
Can I take the Louisiana jurisprudence exam before the VTNE?
Yes.
The Louisiana Board states that the jurisprudence examination is independent from the VTNE and can be taken either before or after the VTNE.
Currently enrolled RVT students may take the jurisprudence examination once they are within 60 days of their anticipated graduation date.
Vet Tech Programs in Neighboring States
- Texas Vet Tech Programs
- Arkansas Vet Tech Programs
- Mississippi Vet Tech Programs
- Oklahoma Vet Tech Programs
Related Vet Tech Resources
- Complete Vet Tech Programs Guide
- Vet Tech Salary by State
- VTNE Exam Guide
- Online Vet Tech Programs
- How to Become a Vet Tech
- Vet Assistant Programs
- VTS Specialty Certifications
Sources
| Source | Used For |
|---|---|
| Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine: RVT Application | Application fees, VTNE timing, exam requirement |
| Louisiana Board: Application Instructions | Fee breakdown, portal steps |
| Louisiana Board: State Board Exam | Jurisprudence exam format, passing score, retake fee |
| Louisiana Board: Renewal Fees | Renewal fee, late fee, deadlines |
| Louisiana Board: CE Rules for RVTs | CE hours and certificate requirements |
| AVMA CVTEA Accredited Programs | Accredited program list |
| AVMA Bachelor’s Programs List | Northwestern State bachelor’s option |
| Delgado Community College Veterinary Technology | Program format, admission requirements, articulation |
| AAVSB: Applying to Take the VTNE | VTNE fee and exam details |
| BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook | National salary and outlook |
| VHMA: Veterinarians and Technicians by State | Louisiana median wage and employment (citing BLS OEWS May 2025) |
Licensing requirements, examination rules, fees, accreditation status, program requirements, and school schedules can change. Verify current details directly with the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and the school you plan to attend before applying or enrolling. This content is educational and is not legal, career, or licensing advice.