Continuing Education (CE) is not just for veterinarians. Veterinary technicians also need CE to stay current, improve patient care, and keep their licenses active. The challenge? CE courses can be expensive. That’s where free vet tech CE comes in.
Thankfully, in 2025, there are many high quality options available at no cost or for a very small fee. In this guide, you’ll discover what CE means for vet techs, why it matters, the best free and affordable resources, and tips to get the most from your learning.
What is CE for Vet Techs?
Continuing Education (CE) for veterinary technicians refers to structured learning beyond formal schooling. These are courses, webinars, or conferences that keep you updated on the latest knowledge, technology, and practices in veterinary medicine.
Vet tech CE can cover topics like:
Anesthesia and pain management
Diagnostic imaging
Laboratory techniques
Client communication
Animal nutrition and welfare
Emergency and critical care
In most states, vet techs must complete a set number of CE hours every renewal cycle to maintain their credentials.
Why Continuing Education Matters in Veterinary Technology
Why should vet techs care about CE beyond the legal requirement? The reasons are powerful:
Better patient care Learn new procedures, diagnostic tools, and treatment protocols.
Career advancement More knowledge = more opportunities in specialty fields.
Professional credibility Staying updated builds trust with veterinarians, clients, and peers.
Confidence at work Handling complex cases becomes easier when you’ve studied them.
License renewal Without CE, you could risk losing your credentials.
Put simply, CE makes you a better vet tech and keeps your career moving forward.
Benefits of Free CE for Vet Techs
Not everyone has a big budget for education, especially early in their career. Here’s why free vet tech CE is such a valuable option:
Cost savings Access top learning without breaking the bank.
Flexibility Many free CE courses are online and on-demand.
Accessibility Learn from anywhere, even if you don’t live near a big veterinary conference.
Variety Topics range from clinical medicine to practice management.
Free CE allows technicians to meet state requirements while still focusing money on other career needs, like certification exams or specialty training.
State & License Renewal Requirements for Vet Techs
Each state has its own rules for veterinary technician CE. Most require RACE approved courses, overseen by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Important reminders:
Hour requirements vary Some states need 10 hours every 2 years, others require 20.
Format matters Some states limit how many hours can be passive (recorded webinars) versus active (live, interactive sessions).
Deadlines differ Always confirm your renewal date with your state board.
Pro tip: Keep a log of every CE credit you complete. Upload certificates to a safe place, such as the AAVSB Veterinary Continuing Education (VCET) tracking system.
Best Free Vet Tech CE Resources in 2025
Here’s a curated list of the top platforms for free CE specifically for veterinary technicians.
VetMedTeam
Cost: Free
Credits: RACE-approved
Why it’s great: Offers CE in small animal medicine, diagnostics, client communication, and more. Perfect for vet techs at all stages.
NAVTA CE Portal
Cost: Free and affordable options
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Tailored for vet techs. Covers anesthesia, lab work, pain management, and communication.
VETgirl Free CE Webinars
Cost: Free (premium upgrade available)
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Short, high value webinars on surgery, medicine, and case based topics.
Zoetis Petcare Learning Center
Cost: Free
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Focus on dermatology, infectious disease, and pain management.
Merck Animal Health Vaccine CE Series
Cost: Free
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Expert led courses on immunology, vaccinology, and infectious disease prevention.
6.IDEXX Learning Center
Cost: Free
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Strong focus on diagnostic testing and laboratory medicine.
Elanco Online Learning
Cost: Free
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Covers companion animal health and preventive medicine.
VetBloom Free CE Webinars
Cost: Free
Credits: RACE approved
Why it’s great: Practical CE in radiology, surgery, and emergency care.
With these platforms, free vet tech CE is accessible to anyone willing to commit time.
Low Cost CE Options (Under $100)
If you’re willing to spend a small amount, these affordable platforms are worth it:
VetFolio $49 $99/year for unlimited CE.
VETgirl On The Go CE $79/year, podcast + video style.
VIN (Veterinary Information Network) Membership includes CE, starting around $85/month.
AtDove.org $99/year for emergency and case based CE.
Vet Education Online Courses starting at $49.
These platforms mix convenience, quality, and affordability.
How to Choose the Right CE for Your Career Goals
Not all CE is equal. Think about:
Specialty interests anesthesia, dentistry, exotics, emergency care.
Learning style do you prefer live interaction, recorded webinars, or podcasts?
State requirements confirm your board accepts the course before signing up.
Choosing wisely ensures your CE counts toward renewal and career growth.
Tips to Make the Most of Free CE
Getting CE is one thing. Maximizing it is another. Here’s how:
Stay organized Use a spreadsheet or app to track hours and certificates.
Engage actively Take notes, ask questions, and apply what you learn in practice.
Mix formats Balance live webinars with on demand courses.
Review certificates Double check each certificate lists RACE approval.
Plan early Don’t wait until license renewal season to scramble for CE.
Accredited vs. Non Accredited CE: What You Need to Know
Some CE looks good but won’t count for license renewal. Always ask:
Is this course RACE approved?
Does my state board accept this provider?
Does the format (live vs recorded) meet state rules?
Non-accredited CE can still boost your knowledge, but it may not satisfy licensing requirements.
Tools & Apps to Track Your CE Hours
Staying organized saves time. Popular tools include:
AAVSB’s VCET Tracker
State veterinary board portals
NAVTA’s CE log tools
Cloud storage Google Drive or Dropbox for certificates
Digital organization keeps you ready for audits or license renewals.
Upcoming Free Vet Tech Webinars & Conferences
Many veterinary organizations run free events throughout the year. In 2025, keep an eye on:
NAVTA Annual Conference often includes free sessions for members.
Industry webinars from Zoetis, IDEXX, and Merck.
University hosted webinars Many vet schools publish free online CE.
Staying connected ensures you never miss out on fresh opportunities.
FAQ: Free CE for Vet Techs
Do all states accept free CE?
No. It must be RACE approved and recognized by your board.
Can vet techs take veterinarian CE courses?
Yes, in most cases, as long as it’s RACE approved and relevant.
Do recorded webinars count?
They can, but some states limit the number of “passive” hours.
4. How often do vet techs need CE?
Most states require 10 20 hours every 1 2 years. Check your state’s rules.
Final Thoughts
Continuing education doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With the many free vet tech CE resources available in 2025, you can stay up to date, meet state requirements, and advance your career all without a huge financial burden.