1. A. Continuing Education Requirements. Failure to satisfy continuing education requirements for biennial renewal shall result in automatic revocation of license. Any licensee who continues practice of veterinary medicine after such revocation shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to applicable disciplinary action.

   1. (1) As a pre-requisite for biennial renewal,

      1. (a) the veterinarian must complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of continuing education;
      2. (b) the veterinary technician must complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of continuing education.

   2. (2) Credit hours may be earned by completion of programs offered through the following sources:

      1. (a) The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA), and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association;
      2. (b) The American Association of Veterinary State Board’s (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE);
      3. (c) State veterinary medical and veterinary technician associations;
      4. (d) AVMA or NAVTA recognized specialty organizations; or
      5. (e) such other programs as may be approved by the Board.

   3. (3) Of the thirty (30) required hours,

      1. (a) A veterinarian authorized to prescribe controlled substances shall complete at least two (2) hours of continuing education every two (2) years related to approved procedures of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances listed in Schedules II, III, and IV of the schedules provided for in S.C. Code Sections 44-53-210, 44-53-230 and 44-53-250;
      2. (b) A minimum of twenty-two (22) hours must be in veterinary medical/surgical courses;
      3. (c) No fewer than twenty (20) hours must be live, in-person or live digital interactive programs, the remaining ten (10) may be pre-recorded or written.

   4. (4) Of the twelve (12) required hours for licensed veterinary technicians:

      1. (a) A minimum of six (6) hours must be in veterinary medical.
      2. (b) No fewer than six (6) hours must be live in-person or live digital interactive programs, the remaining six (6) may be pre-recorded or written.

   5. (5) Each licensee must maintain a record of attendance at the meetings qualifying for continuing education for a minimum of three (3) years immediately preceding renewal. The licensee must maintain documentation to include:

      1. (a) name and license number of the participant;
      2. (b) name of provider;
      3. (c) name of program;
      4. (d) hours completed; and
      5. (e) date of completion.

2. B. Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements.

   1. (1) The continuing education requirement is waived for the licensee for the first year of licensure.

   2. (2) In individual cases involving extraordinary hardship or extenuating circumstances, disability or illness, all or any part of the requirements may be waived, modified or extended by the Board.

      Any applicant shall be eligible for waiver or extension who, upon written application to the Board and for good cause shown, demonstrates that they are unable to participate in a sufficient number of regular continuing educational programs for licensure/registration.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009. Amended by SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5356, eff May 23, 2025.