Veterinary assistants who become veterinary technicians may be required to obtain state certification. In some states, veterinary technicians must take continuing education courses every year. For more information about licensing of veterinary technicians in Illinois, contact:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217.785.0800, Fax: 217.782.7645
Certification is optional for veterinary assistants who work in research labs. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certifies three levels of technician competence. These are Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). For more information, contact:
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125
Phone: 901.754.8620, Fax: 901.753.0046
E-mail: info@aalas.org