In celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week, twenty aspiring Veterinarian Technicians and recent graduates receive $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of a scholarship program, now in its second year.
Bridgewater, NJ – October 20, 2023 – Twenty veterinary technician students and recent graduates were each awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of the Tuition for Technicians (T4T) Scholarship Program offered by NAVTA and Boehringer –Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc.
Veterinary technicians play an essential role in the field of animal health by providing quality service and care in private clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities. The role of a veterinary technician is similar to a registered nurse in human healthcare, where highly skilled, educated, and credentialed individuals assist with administering treatments or medications under the supervision of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.
“Our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of animals is founded on a commitment to serve the veterinary community and their evolving needs,” said Randolph Legg, President and Head of Commercial Business at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc. “Veterinary technicians are the front lines of protecting and advancing animal health and we’re proud to support their education through these scholarships.”
The 2023 T4T recipients are:
• Joanna Barrera^, Truckee Meadows Community College
• Yeira Berkheiser, Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
• Angela Cano, San Juan College
• Annalise Curtin, Harcum College
• Kamri Deley, Kent State University at Trumbull
• Kyra Foster, Mississippi State University
• Deja Gibson, Midwest Institute
• Sarah Henderson^, Long Island University • Danielle Hynes, Penn Foster College
• Eden Ivey Van Landeghem, Midwest Institute
• Anna Linthicum^, Murray State College
• Alexa Lopez, California State Polytech University, Pomona • Morgan Odom, Blinn College District
• Gabriella Paz^, Mercy College
• Amanda Pollack, Appalachian State University
• Brianne Santos^, Mercy College • Katherine Schmitt^, Northwood Technical College • AmyGrace Shoop, Baker College
• Cheryl Wheelock, Penn Foster College
• Wednesday Yee*, Foothill College Veterinary Technology Program
^Five of the 20 recipients excelled in their applications and earned top scores on their essays. These essays will be published in the special Convention Issue of The NAVTA Journal, which will be released in January 2024.
*Seven of the 20 recipients were recent graduates (2021-2023)
The T4T Scholarship Program was established in 2022 as a partnership between NAVTA and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health to help meet the increased need for Credentialed Veterinary Technicians in the animal health industry. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has committed $250,000 over five years, which will be awarded to up to 20 applicants per year in the amount of $2,500 for each scholarship.
NAVTA President, Jamie Rauscher, LVT, commented, “We at NAVTA are proud to partner once again with BI to help make the education of our future generations of Veterinary Technicians and Nurses a more affordable reality. The 20 recipients of the T4T scholarships are leading the way to help make our profession a better place.”
To be eligible for a scholarship, students had to meet the following criteria:
Current Students
• Must be a veterinary technology/nursing student who has completed at least one year of program requirements as a full-time student in an AVMA-accredited program (on-campus or distance learning).
• Submit transcripts (official or unofficial is acceptable) showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Submit a letter from the Registrar (or program director) confirming current enrollment at full-time status.
• Submit a minimum of 1/maximum of 3 professional letter(s) of recommendation (e.g., program director, faculty, advisor).
• NAVTA Student Membership required (SCNAVTA membership preferred).
• Submit a 500-word essay that addresses the following subject: In 2023, NAVTA is celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Veterinary Technician Week. Where would you like to see the veterinary technician/nursing profession in the next 10 years?
Recent Graduates
• Must have graduated in 2021, 2022, or 2023 from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology/nursing program (on-campus or distance learning).
• Submit transcripts (official or unofficial is acceptable) showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and graduation date. If transcripts do not have a graduation date, include a copy of diploma.
• Submit a letter confirming current employment as a Credentialed Veterinary Technician.
• Submit a minimum of 1/maximum of 3 professional letter(s) of recommendation (e.g., employer, DVM, credentialed veterinary technician).
• NAVTA Credentialed Membership required.
• Submit a 500-word essay that addresses the following subject: In 2023, NAVTA is celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Veterinary Technician Week. Where would you like to see the veterinary technician/nursing profession in the next 10 years?
A task force of NAVTA members and representatives from Boehringer Ingelheim judged each of the applications and determined the final list of recipients.
The 2024 T4T program will open in the first quarter of 2024. Look for details on www.navta.net.
About NAVTA
NAVTA is a US-based not-for-profit membership community of more than 8,500 Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, as well as Veterinary Assistants and other veterinary support staff involved in veterinary care. NAVTA advances the profession of veterinary technology and veterinary nursing through its advocacy and awareness programs, and by providing continuing professional development opportunities. NAVTA supports the veterinary technology and veterinary nursing profession with a host of programs and benefits, available at https://www.navta.net/membership/
About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, producers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock.
As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of the family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both.
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has deep roots in the U.S. From a start in St. Joseph, Missouri, more than 100 years ago, it has grown to encompass seven sites. The Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health portfolio contains widely used and well-respected vaccines, parasite control products and therapeutics for pets, horses and livestock including NexGard® (afoxolaner), HEARTGARD® (ivermectin), PYRAMID®/PRESPONSE®, VAXXITEK®, INGELVAC CircoFLEX®, and PRASCEND® (pergolide tablets). Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. at www.bi-animalhealth.com.
HEARTGARD®, PYRAMID®, PRESPONSE®, and VAXXITEK® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. NexGard® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France, used under license. INGELVAC CIRCOFLEX® and PRASCEND® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license.
©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-PET- 0366-2023