Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed House Bill 3360 into law, expanding occupational title protections for credentialed veterinary technicians. The legislation takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Under the new statute, only individuals licensed by the State of Illinois as Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) may use the titles "Certified Veterinary Technician," "Veterinary Technician," "Vet Tech," "VT," or "Technician" when referring to veterinary work.

The law also requires both veterinarians (DVMs) and CVTs to display their professional licenses or a copy of them in their offices or clinics, similar to requirements for other health care providers.

The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) has prepared informational materials to help clinics and hospitals implement the changes, including guidance on alternative job titles for staff members who are not legally eligible to use CVT-related designations.

"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, in a statement to the  National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

"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 adds.