In celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week, eighteen veterinary technician students and recent graduates have been awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of a comprehensive commitment to supporting veterinary professionals throughout their careers.
Branchburg, N.J. – October 12, 2025 – Eighteen veterinary technician students and recent graduates were each awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of the 2025 Tuition for Technicians (T4T) Scholarship Program offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and Boehringer Ingelheim.
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 registered veterinary technician is similar to a registered nurse in human healthcare, where highly skilled, educated, and registered individuals assist with administering treatments or medications under the supervision of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Like their veterinarian colleagues, registered veterinary technicians often face unique challenges and demands that go unrecognized by the public.
Going Beyond Recognition: Supporting Vet Techs Throughout Their Careers
During National Veterinary Technician Week, it is important to recognize that veterinary technicians are on the front lines of animal care, working tirelessly behind the scenes with dedication that often goes unseen. The Boehringer Ingelheim Going Beyond campaign, which has highlighted the unrecognized aspects of veterinary work globally, extends this recognition to veterinary technicians who face similar challenges of high stress, emotional demands, and work-life balance pressures.
“Veterinary technicians work in often challenging circumstances, providing critical support that enables optimal animal care,” said Daniel Watkins, VP, Head of US Pet Business, Boehringer Ingelheim. “We’re proud to invest in their success from the classroom to their entire career journey.”
Addressing the Full Spectrum of Career Challenges
“This veterinary technician scholarship directly supports those early in their careers or still pursuing their veterinary technology education,” said Phillip E. Russo, CAE, Executive Director of NAVTA. “By reducing financial burdens, the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship empowers a new generation of veterinary nurse/technician professionals to thrive, grow into leadership roles, and help elevate the entire veterinary profession. Our collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim reflects a shared commitment to supporting veterinary technicians through every phase of their careers—from education through professional development and beyond.”
Building Tomorrow’s Veterinary Leaders
The 2025 T4T veterinary scholarship recipients represent the future of veterinary medicine:
Isabella Balduyck
Emily Belmont^
Chanis Bergum*
Reina Bocchichio^
Kristen Boudreau*
Dominik Campbell*
Reana Carney
Carrie Crespina^
Lisa Gideon*
Kayla Lohr
Kayla Lowery*
Sydney Marza
Teagan Mathes*
Brooke Michael*
Hayley Perez
Gray Shannahan
Paige Smith
Sofia Van den Ende
^Three of the recipients excelled in their applications and earned top scores on their essays, which will be published in the special Convention Issue of The NAVTA Journal, released in January 2026.
*Seven of the recipients were recent veterinary technology graduates (2023-2025), demonstrating the program’s impact on professionals transitioning from veterinary education to practice—a critical period where additional support can make a lasting difference.
According to NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey, over one-third of credentialed veterinary technicians carry student loan debt averaging around $24,000, highlighting the real financial pressures facing these essential healthcare professionals.
“Congratulations to the winners of this prestigious veterinary technician scholarship,” said Whit Cothern, DVM, Executive Director of Veterinary Professional Services at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Whether they pursue specialized veterinary certifications, leadership roles, or clinical excellence, the foundation we help build through education support and ongoing professional development will shape the future of veterinary medicine. We’re honored to be part of their journey from the very beginning.”
A Legacy of Comprehensive Support
The T4T Veterinary Scholarship Program was established in 2022 as a collaboration between NAVTA and Boehringer Ingelheim to help meet the increased need for credentialed veterinary technicians in the animal health industry. Boehringer Ingelheim 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 veterinary scholarship.
This financial commitment represents just one element of broader investment in veterinary professionals by Boehringer Ingelheim. The company also supports career development through:
- Advanced training programs and continuing education opportunities for veterinary technicians
- Research initiatives that advance the veterinary profession
- Industry advocacy that elevates the recognition of veterinary professionals
- Mentorship and leadership development programs
Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment
The 2026 application cycle—the final year of the current program—will open in summer 2026. Details and deadlines will be posted at www.navta.net/tuition-for-techs.
For more information, please contact: info@navta.net
About NAVTA
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit membership association of more than 8,500 Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and Veterinary Technician students in the United States. NAVTA is a diverse community united in advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through strategic advocacy, awareness, and professional development. Since its founding in 1983, NAVTA has supported the elevation of veterinary technicians and assistants through its creation of programs such as Veterinary Technology Specialist (VTS) Academies, National Veterinary Technician Week, NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Programs, and NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistants Week, along with a host of other educational programs and benefits. More information about NAVTA and its programming is available at www.navta.net.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
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
©2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved
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