(a)(1) Any person desiring to work as a veterinary technician in this state shall apply to the board for a certificate of registration as a veterinary technician and shall pass such examinations as the board requires. All such applications shall be made on forms provided by the board and shall be accompanied by a fee to be provided for by the board.

(2) The application shall include evidence, satisfactory to the board, that:

(A) The applicant has attained the age of 18;

(B) The applicant is of good moral character;

(C) The applicant is a graduate of an animal technology program approved by the board; and

(D) The applicant meets such other qualifications or provides such other information as the board may require by rule.

(3) If the board finds that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications, it shall admit the applicant to the examination.

(4) If the applicant is found not qualified to take the examination, the board shall notify the applicant in writing of such finding and return his examination fee.

(b) Until January 1, 1984, any person who has been at any time certified as a registered animal technician and has had three years' experience of employment as a registered animal technician shall upon application be registered as a veterinary technician without examination and without meeting the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section.

(c) Any person who immediately prior to July 1, 1983, was currently certified as a registered animal technician shall be entitled to be registered as a veterinary technician and to have such certification renewed without examination and without meeting any requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section.