Updates to Mandatory Continuing Education Requirements in Michigan
Continuing education is essential for veterinarians to maintain the highest standards of care in a constantly evolving field. Advances in medicine, technology, and animal health care happen rapidly, and ongoing learning ensures that veterinarians stay current with the latest research, treatments, and best practices. By participating in CE, DVMs and LVTs not only meet professional licensure requirements but also strengthen their skills, improve patient outcomes, and uphold public trust in the veterinary profession.
When the Board of Pharmacy Rules were promulgated in May of 2024, the requirements for opioid training related to your Michigan Controlled Substance license changed. This requirement must now be met during each 3-year renewal cycle. These changes ensure that professionals stay current, skilled, and ready to meet the evolving needs of the animals and communities you serve.
In preparation for MVMA’s Annual Mandatory CE Day scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, we wanted to provide a quick refresher to help you prepare for your upcoming license renewals.
How many credits do DVMs and LVTs need during each 3-year renewal cycle to comply with licensing rules?
Veterinarians are required to complete 45 hours of CE during every 3-year DVM license renewal cycle, and licensed veterinary technicians are required to complete 15 hours during every 3-year LVT license renewal cycle.
Are there specific CE requirements for DVMs that do not apply to LVTs?
Out of the 45 total hours required, at least 30 hours must be considered medical training for the DVM license renewal. This includes one hour of veterinary law or controlled substance education, as well as one hour of medical records education during each 3-year license renewal cycle.
Veterinarians also have an in-person CE requirement mandating they complete at least 12 hours [of the 45 total hours required] in person. 6 hours must actually be completed in-person, and 6 hours may be completed virtually as long as the CE is viewed “live” and not on-demand.
Opioid training is required only for those who maintain a Michigan Controlled Substance license.
As of May 2024, this training must be completed during each 3-year MI CS license renewal cycle. This training is not required to be taken all at once, but in order to meet the full requirements put forth in Michigan R. 338.3135, it must encompass all of the following topics:
(a) Use of opioids and other controlled substances.
(b) Integration of treatments.
(c) Alternative treatments for pain management.
(d) Counseling on the effects and risks associated with using opioids and other controlled substances.
(e) The stigma of addiction.
(f) Utilizing the MAPS.
(g) State and federal laws regarding prescribing and dispensing controlled substances.
(h) Security features for opioids and other controlled substances and prescriptions, and proper disposal requirements for opioids and other controlled substances.
We know your schedule is packed, and finding time for continuing education can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. From flexible learning options to resources designed with busy professionals in mind, our goal is to make completing your CE as manageable and rewarding as possible - so you can stay current, confident, and focused on what matters most: providing excellent care to your patients.