Section 73-39-63 - Practice of veterinary technology; eligibility for certification as animal technician; renewal of credentials through continual professional education; suspension, revocation, or denial of certification(1) The practice of veterinary technology is a privilege granted by legislative authority to maintain public health, safety and welfare and to protect the public from being misled by unauthorized individuals.(2) An individual who has graduated from a veterinary technology or technician program that is accredited according to the standards adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Committee on Veterinary Technician/Technology Education and Activities, and who has filed the application and the requisite fees shall be eligible to take the examination for certification as an animal technician.(3) Veterinary technicians and technologists applying for certification shall be required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination, with scores as set by the board, before receiving certification.(4) All certified veterinary technicians and technologists shall be required to complete continuing professional education as prescribed by rule to renew their credentials.(5) After a hearing, the board may suspend, revoke or deny the issuance or renewal of certification of any veterinary technician or technologist who is found guilty of any of the following: (a) Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for certification.(b) Criminal offense relating to veterinary medicine.(c) Any violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law.(d) Convicted of cruelty to animals.(e) Violation of any of the rules or regulations of the board. Laws, 2005, ch. 421, § 7; reenacted and amended, Laws, 2008, ch. 447, § 7, eff. 4/8/2008.