In celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week, twenty aspiring Veterinarian Technicians receive $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of a new scholarship program created this year

Bridgewater, NJ – October 17, 2022 – Twenty veterinary technician students were each awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance as part of the new 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 2022 T4T recipients are:

• Asia Aaron, Mississippi State University
• Britton Banning-Arndt, Columbus State Community College
• Annmarie Batey, Wilson College
• Briley Brink, Morehead State University
• Su Via Chong*, Purdue University
• Taylor Evans, Southern Regional Technical College
• Jude Flores*, Community College of Denver
• Samantha Gailey, Mississippi State University
• Heather Henderson, Cape Fear Community College
• Jaylan Hopson, Lincoln Memorial University
• Jenny Beth Kapur*, Nash Community College
• Emily Lemp*, Arkansas State University 
• Anna  Lund, Colby Community College
• Kayla Plucinski*, Vermilion Community College (Minnesota North College)
• Raegan Rigney, Purdue University
• Kelly Rivera, Universidad Ana G Mendez-Barceloneta
• Vanessa Rodriguez, Universidad Ana G Mendez-Barceloneta
• Tanya Sprague, Windward Community College
• Stephanie Van Horn*, Vet Tech Institute - Pittsburgh
• Karley Warner, University of Tennessee

The T4T Scholarship Program was established earlier this year 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.

“The T4T program helps the next generation of students pursue their career in veterinary nursing with less financial burden,” said NAVTA President Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT.  “I wish we could provide scholarships to every student, because their help is really needed.”

To be eligible for a scholarship students had to meet the following criteria:

• Must be a veterinary technology/nursing student enrolled full time in an AVMA-accredited program (on-campus or distance learning) that has completed at least one year of program requirements;
• Must submit transcripts showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Must submit a letter confirming current enrollment at full-time status;
• Must submit up to three letters of recommendation;
• Must be a NAVTA Student Member;
• Must submit a 500-word essay addressing one the following:
  • Where do you see the future of the veterinary technology/nursing profession 5-10 years from now?
  • How will you contribute to the veterinary technology/nursing profession?
  • What are your career goals?

*Six of the 20 recipients excelled in their applications and earned perfect scores on their essays.  These essays will be published in the special Convention Issue of The NAVTA Journal, being released in January 2023.

A task force of NAVTA members and representatives from Boehringer Ingelheim judged each of the applications and determined the final list of recipients.

The 2023 T4T program will open in the first quarter of 2023.  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. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s portfolio contains widely used and well-respected vaccines, parasite-control products and therapeutics for pets, horses and livestock. Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA at www.bi-animalhealth.com.