Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship

(For Domestic or International Veterinary Nurses)

Veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses who have demonstrated leadership abilities and have made a positive impact on the growth of the profession or in their practice are eligible to apply for the NAVC’s Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship. Two domestic and one international scholarship winners will be awarded FREE registration to VMX 2026 (January 17-21, 2026), with a package that includes airfare, hotel, per diem, a VMX Hands-on Workshop as well as VIP access to special events. To be eligible for the scholarship, domestic applicants must be credentialed; international applicants must be a qualified or credentialed veterinary technician/nurse in their country of residence. Once a person has won, they may not reapply.

The Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship honors the memory of Dr. Rippie who was a leader in the veterinary profession. Dr. Rippie recognized that technicians and nurses are the spoke in the wheel of the practice and the heart of the hospital. He believed that veterinary technicians and nurses were equal voices on the veterinary team. In addition, he valued veterinary technicians and nurses in realizing and promoting what technicians and nurses offered to the health and well-being of animals. Dr. Rippie served the profession in several capacities. He was the past president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates representing New Jersey for 9 years, past president of the North American Veterinary Conference now Community (NAVC), and NAVC Secretary-Treasurer for 13 years.

Please know that your application is important to us. NAVC is very interested in learning about the unique ways that you as an individual have impacted the local and broader veterinary community. We appreciate your willingness to share yourself with us.

The Submission Period for the Dr. Earl H Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leader Scholarship will be Opening on April 15, 2025. Please check back soon!

Click here to download a complete list of questions and required documents for submission.

Scholarship includes

• VMX registration
• Economy class airfare
• Six (6) hotel nights
• Six (6) days per diem
• The scholarship will include one (1) Hands-on Workshop (based on availability)
• Winners will be invited to the special events as a VIP
• There will be a Pre-conference meet/greet and orientation
• There will be a Post-conference meeting

Scholarship Dates

• Application Open – April 15, 2025
• Submission Deadline – July 15, 2025
• Decision deadline – October 1, 2025
• Applicants Notified – No later than October 1, 2025

Criteria

Required objective criteria that can be validated via the online submission portal. Applications that do not contain all of the criteria below will not be considered.

Candidates for the scholarship must submit the following:

• Completed application form (which includes permission for use of images/video in marketing)
• Curriculum vitae or resume (must support the point-scoring section of the application)
• Two letters of endorsement by a colleague, mentor or supervisor who can attest to the individual’s leadership abilities and impact on the growth of the profession and/or their practice.
• Proof of membership (letter of good standing includes years as a member) in a local, state, regional, provincial, or national veterinary technician association or specialty academy.

Click here to download a complete list of questions and required documents for submission.