In celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week, nineteen aspiring Veterinarian Technicians and recent graduates receive $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of a scholarship program, now in its third year.
Bridgewater, NJ – October 13, 2024 – Nineteen 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 2024 T4T recipients are:
- Amelie Arismendi
- Justin Blanton
- Sandra Bolduc
- Jessica Castro Aguilar*
- Morgan Clark
- Courtney Dautenhahn*
- Michaela Escarcega^
- Sarah Henderson*
- Hollie Hibbard^*
- Kelly Higgins
- Keely Legerski
- Maria Lopez
- Brynne Matula
- Melissa Rios
- Rena Roots*
- Tiffany Ross^
- Jose Ruiz^
- Stephanie Stewart
- Jade Wolfe
^Four of the 19 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 2025.
*Five of the 19 recipients were recent graduates (2022-2024)
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 $2500 for each scholarship.
NAVTA President Jamie Rauscher, LVT, commented, “NAVTA is proud to partner with BI to help make the education of our future generations of Veterinary Technicians and Nurses more affordable. We look forward to the 19 recipients of this year’s scholarships becoming leaders and role models for our profession in the very near future.”
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 an essay that addresses the following subject: Despite their crucial role in delivering high-quality care to animals, veterinary technicians grapple with the ongoing challenges of recognition and optimal utilization within the field. In a 500-word essay, delve into the potential impact of national title protection on job satisfaction and patient care OR increased utilization and scope of practice for veterinary technicians on job satisfaction and patient care.
Recent Graduates
- Must have graduated in 2022, 2023, or 2024 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 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 an essay that addresses the following subject: Despite their crucial role in delivering high-quality care to animals, veterinary technicians grapple with the ongoing challenges of recognition and optimal utilization within the field. In a 500-word essay, delve into the potential impact of national title protection on job satisfaction and patient care OR increased utilization and scope of practice for veterinary technicians on job satisfaction and patient care.
A task force of NAVTA members and representatives from Boehringer Ingelheim judged each of the applications and determined the final list of recipients.
The 2025 T4T program will open in the summer of 2025. Look for details on www.navta.net.
About NAVTA
NAVTA is a US-based not-for-profit membership community of more than 9,000 Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants and other professionals 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
Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units Human Pharma and Animal Health. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
About Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health Business
Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health
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