BRANCHBURG, N.J. (May 4, 2026) — The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and Boehringer Ingelheim announced today the final year 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 2026. Boehringer had committed to funding the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship program through 2026.
“Our unwavering commitment to improve animal health is deeply connected to our responsibility to support the veterinary profession with ever evolving demands and challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Veterinary technicians, serving as indispensable partners in safeguarding and elevating animal health, embody exceptional dedication often under challenging and unpredictable circumstances. We are privileged to invest in their education and to help empower the next generation of veterinary technicians through these scholarships” said Steve Maschmedt, DVM, MBA Executive Director of Veterinary Professional Services at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
Credentialed 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.
“NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey highlights a reality many credentialed veterinary technicians face—more than one-third carry student debt averaging approximately $24,000. This financial burden can influence career decisions at a time when our profession needs skilled, dedicated veterinary technicians/nurses more than ever,” said NAVTA President Jennifer Serling, MVEd, BVSc, AAS, CVT, RVT, VTES, FVTE. “We are deeply grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for their continued generosity in funding the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship and for their unwavering commitment to the veterinary technology/nursing profession. By helping to ease financial pressures, this program empowers emerging veterinary professionals to grow, lead, and remain engaged in the careers they are passionate about, strengthening the future of our profession as a whole.”
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 for multiple years if they meet the eligibility requirements each year. Previous scholarship recipients are ineligible to reapply.
ELIGIBILITY
Current Students
- A full-time student (as defined by the program) in an AVMA-accredited program (on-campus or distance learning) that has completed at least 50% of the veterinary technology/nursing program requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Work with a School Representative to submit the provided document that includes: name of AVMA-accredited program, percentage of program completed, cumulative GPA, and student status. (Form will be provided with the application)
- 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:
- Who has influenced/mentored/guided you – personally or professionally that led you on the path to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician? Explore who they are, what they did for you, and how their guidance shaped your growth. Then explain how you plan to give back to the profession, using the lessons you learned from your own mentor and personal experiences. Your response should reflect on both the impact you received and the impact you hope to make.
- The essay formatting should be double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-pt font, with 1-inch margins.
Recent Graduates
- Must have graduated in 2024, 2025, or 2026 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:
- Who has influenced/mentored/guided you – personally or professionally that led you on the path to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician? Explore who they are, what they did for you, and how their guidance shaped your growth. Then explain how you plan to give back to the profession, using the lessons you learned from your own mentor and personal experiences. Your response should reflect on both the impact you received and the impact you hope to make.
- 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 13, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT. Recipients of the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship shall be selected by the NAVTA/Boehringer Ingelheim 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 5, 2026. The winning applicants will be announced publicly and officially awarded during National Veterinary Technician Week, October 18-24, 2026.
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 – 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/us/animal-health.
©2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved
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