SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (August 18, 2025) — House Bill 3360 has been signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, heralding increased occupational title protection for veterinary professionals.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) rigorously pursued support for this legislation, lobbying for its passage into law to better protect titles for Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs). CVTs serve vital roles in veterinary clinics and hospitals across Illinois, college-educated and professionally-trained compassionate professionals who work as liaisons between clients who bring in their pets for medical help and with veterinarians with whom they work.
“At last, CVTs can find comfort knowing that their hard-earned college education and subsequent training will now be protected by law,” says Matt Bussan DVM, President of the ISVMA’s Board of Directors, Town and Country Animal Hospital, Normal.
“This clarification will provide clear criteria in defining the CVT title, ensuring it is exclusively granted to individuals who have graduated from a veterinary-technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technical Education (CVTEA). Also, it codifies that these individuals have passed their Veterinary Technical National Exam (VTNE), earning their CVT license," Dr Bussan said.
Like their veterinarian counterparts, CVTs are licensed by the State of Illinois to practice veterinary medicine as outlined by their training and degree in veterinary sciences. Under this new law, only individuals who are legally credentialed as CVTs may use the titles of:
- Certified Veterinary Technician
- Veterinary Technician, or Vet Tech (and the abbreviation VT)
- Technician (in the veterinary context)
“Title protection is a significant step forward for professionally licensed CVTs in Illinois,” says Tracy Porter CVT, Chicago. “This law not only reinforces the integrity of the veterinary profession but also improves access to high-quality care for both pets and their people. It creates a meaningful incentive for CVT students, credentialed technicians, and other vital members of the veterinary team to deepen their knowledge and skills, ultimately raising the standard of care and advancing the profession as a whole.”
The new law also requires both CVTs and veterinarians to publicly display their licenses or a copy in their office or clinic like other health-care license-holders.
“With the law requiring public display of our licenses, clients can now see our credentials, and that we are licensed to expertly care for their beloved pets,” says Kelly Gardella CVT, Chicago. “This fosters transparency for the public and builds confidence from them in us, the people taking care of their pet, as well as in the entire veterinary profession.”
Members of the ISVMA thank HB 3360 sponsors and Gov Pritzker for their support and understanding the importance of this effort.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) predicts, monitors and confronts issues that affect the licenses of Illinois veterinarians. More than 1,900 ISVMA member veterinarians, veterinary students and Certified Veterinary Technicians depend upon the representation and services provided by the ISVMA. Their participation ensures the continued strength of the veterinary profession in Illinois, advancing the well-being of veterinary medical professionals, the public, and the environment.
