How to find free CE credits for veterinary professionals

Continuing Education (CE) credits are essential for vets and vet techs to maintain their licenses and stay up to date on the latest advancements in animal care. But fulfilling CE requirements can often feel like a strain on both your time and budget. The good news? There are plenty of opportunities to earn CE credits for free — if you know where to look.

Here’s a practical guide to help you find free CE credits while ensuring you meet your licensing requirements and continue growing your expertise.

1. Start with your licensing requirements

Before you dive into finding free CE options, it’s important to understand your specific requirements. CE credit needs vary by state and licensing body. Some states may require a set number of credits annually or biennially, while others specify formats, such as in-person sessions, online webinars, or hands-on workshops.

Where to check your requirements

• Visit your state’s veterinary medical board website for up-to-date CE guidelines.
• Look for approved CE providers or accredited programs, as not all courses may count toward your credits.
• Check for any restrictions, like caps on online courses or requirements for specific topics such as ethics or pain management.

Having a clear picture of what you need will help you target the right free opportunities without risking non-compliance.

‍2. Leverage professional associations

‍Veterinary organizations often provide free or discounted CE opportunities as a benefit to their members. These groups are a fantastic starting point for finding high-quality resources.

‍Key associations to explore

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers free and discounted webinars and courses on a variety of topics for members.
• Most state organizations provide CE events, many of which are free or low-cost for members.
• The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) membership includes access to educational tools and free CE webinars.

Even if membership requires a fee, the value of free CE courses can often offset the cost. Make it a habit to check your association’s website or newsletter for upcoming CE events.

‍3. Take advantage of free online CE platforms

‍The internet is a treasure trove of free CE resources for veterinarians. Many platforms offer on-demand webinars, recorded lectures, or live sessions, making it easy to fit CE into your schedule.

‍Top Platforms for Free CE

• VetFolio. Features a library of free webinars and educational content on clinical and non-clinical topics.
• VETgirl. While much of their content is paid, they frequently offer free CE opportunities, especially for first-time users.
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Provides free courses for members on a range of topics, from diagnostics to practice management.

Bookmark these platforms and set reminders to check for new content regularly or subscribe to their newsletters to stay up-to-date. Many offer free sessions for a limited time, so staying proactive is key.

‍5. Attend conferences offering free CE

‍Conferences are an excellent way to network, learn, and earn CE credits. While many conferences come with a registration fee, some offer free sessions or heavily discounted options for virtual attendees. We created a comprehensive list of veterinary conferences in 2025. Bookmark it to keep up with new opportunities throughout the year!

Look for conferences that align with your interests or specialty, and take advantage of free virtual sessions if attending in person isn’t feasible.

‍6. Use employer-sponsored programs

‍If you’re employed at a veterinary hospital or corporate clinic, check with your employer about CE support. Many employers offer reimbursement for CE courses or partner with CE providers to give their staff free access.

‍Questions to ask your employer

• Does the clinic have partnerships with organizations or companies offering free CE?
• Are there in-house training programs that qualify for CE credits?
• Is reimbursement available for attending external CE events?

By tapping into employer-sponsored resources, you can meet your requirements without spending out of pocket.

‍7. Network with peers and professional groups

‍Joining networking groups is a great way to stay informed about free CE opportunities. Other veterinarians and professionals often share valuable resources you may not come across on your own.

• Join veterinary Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities focused on professional development.
• Participate in local veterinary meet-ups or study groups where CE opportunities may be discussed.
• Stay active in professional associations, as many events include free CE credits.

A simple conversation with a colleague could lead you to a free webinar, a sponsored workshop, or even a mentor who shares their favorite CE resources.Don’t forget to track your progressOnce you start earning free CE credits, it’s essential to keep track of your progress. Many licensing boards require proof of attendance, so having a system in place can save you time and stress.

‍Tips for staying organized

• Use a spreadsheet to log completed courses, dates, and the number of credits earned.
• Keep certificates of completion in a designated folder—physical or digital.
• Set reminders for upcoming deadlines to ensure you meet your CE requirements on time.

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