New scholarship program for practice managers is launched

Photo: Chris Ryan/KOTO

The Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) has launched a new scholarship program to support veterinary management professionals who aspire to earn the organization’s Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) credential. The Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program also honors the founder and visionary behind the certification.¹

In 1981, Opperman founded the VHMA, which has grown to serve more than 5000 members with training, education, and resources. He led the efforts to create the CVPM certification program, which was launched in 1989. The CVPM certification is only available through VHMA, and is highest credential that a veterinary practice management professional can achieve, according to the association.¹

“We hope to continue Mark Opperman’s legacy by paving the way for more practice management professionals to attain the CVPM certification,” Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA executive director, said in a news release.¹

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Prior to taking the CVPM exam, applicants need to meet practice management experience requirements and demonstrate that they have earned sufficient formal education and continuing education credits, according to VHMS. The CVPM exam is rigorous, testing management knowledge in the areas of human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice, and finance. Candidates can access the exam electronically throughout North America.²

Recent CVPM credential earners were announced by VHMA last month. The following 15 individuals were named to the certification class of November 2024: Brooke Aicher, Erik Amador, Crystal Bear, Justina Cutler, Lauralee Dorst, Scarlett Fox, Diane Franklin, Maggie Holcomb, Becca Hollis, Jennifer Knap, Abbey Oldani, Nancy Schwartz, Danielle Wholey and Rebecca Wilson.²

Each year, the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program will recognize 1 practice manager and financially assist them by covering the cost of its application fee. The annual deadline to apply for the scholarship is September 1 with applications submitted through the VHMA website.¹

To qualify for the award program, candidates must be a paid VHMA member in good standing, meet the current CVPM program qualifications, have active employment as a practice manager for a minimum of 3 years within the last 7 years, have completed 18 college semester hours in management-related courses, provide 4 letters of recommendation and submit a 250-word essay on mentorship. Applicants who have already taken and passed the CVPM examination do not qualify, according to VHMA.¹

References

1. VHMA announces the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. January 16, 2024.
2. Veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. December 12, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.vhma.org/blogs/vhma-admin/2024/12/12/cvpmnovember2024class