BRIDGEWATER, NJ – May 30, 2024 – The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and Boehringer Ingelheim announced today the renewal of the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship program and subsequent call for applicants.

The Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship was established in 2022 to help meet the increased need for credentialed veterinary technicians in the animal health profession. Scholarship applications are now being accepted and will be awarded to up to 20 applicants in the Fall of 2024. Boehringer has committed to funding the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship program through 2026.

“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. “Veterinary technicians are on the front lines of protecting and advancing animal health and we’re proud to support their education through these scholarships.”

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.

“Based on NAVTA’s 2022 Demographic Survey results, more than one in three credentialed veterinary technicians have student debt averaging close to $30,000,” said NAVTA President Jamie Rauscher, LVT. “Once again this year, NAVTA and Boehringer Ingelheim have extended the scholarships they are offering to include recent graduates of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited Veterinary Technology/Nursing programs. We hope that the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship will help our colleagues (and future colleagues) pursue and continue growing in the veterinary field with less of a financial burden, thus allowing them to thrive and grow into emerging leaders of our profession. The Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship will help an entire generation of students pursue their career in veterinary nursing with less financial burden.”

The scholarship funds may be used for payment of tuition fees, supplies for classes/labs, textbooks, and student loans. The scholarship funds will be mailed directly to the individuals who are selected as winners. Applicants can apply and be awarded the scholarship once per calendar year, provided they meet the application eligibility requirements.

ELIGIBILITY

• Current Students
  • 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:
      • Despite their crucial role in delivering high-quality care to animals, veterinary technicians grapple with the ongoing challenge 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
      • The essay formatting should be double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-pt font, with 1-inch margins.

• 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 a 500-word essay that addresses the following subject:
    • Despite their crucial role in delivering high-quality care to animals, veterinary technicians grapple with the ongoing challenge 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
    • The essay formatting should be double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-pt font, with 1-inch margins.

Applications are now being accepted, and the deadline for application submission is July 22, 2024. Recipients of the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship shall be selected by the NAVTA/BI AH USA Scholarship Task Force. Each application will be assessed by the Task Force based on the meeting of eligibility criteria, professionalism of the application, and essay completeness, spelling, and grammar. NAVTA will notify the winning applicants by October 1, 2024. The winning applicants will be announced publicly and officially awarded during National Veterinary Technician Week, October 13-19, 2024.

A completed application form should be submitted via the online portal at: https://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 http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal- health.