For animal lovers around the world, World Veterinary Day — celebrated this coming weekend — marks a prime time to appreciate the people who help keep those animals healthy and thriving. It recognizes the work that veterinarians do every day for beloved creatures, big and small, and The Scholarship Coach is joining in the celebration.
In honor of veterinarians worldwide, this week’s post features scholarships for those who aspire to work with and care for animals. Vet school isn’t cheap, especially when training includes about eight years of postsecondary education. This is split up into four years of undergraduate study plus four years of veterinary school . But the payoff of pursuing your passion and working in an in-demand health care field can be worth it.
These are the [top-ranked graduate schools for veterinary medicine.]
Owners of a guinea pig, rabbit or other small pet may have heard of Oxbow Animal Health, especially if they’ve purchased any of its food or supplies. In keeping with its commitment to healthy animals, Oxbow offers several scholarships to support future animal caretakers and veterinarians.
Its undergraduate Veterinary Medicine Scholarship provides $1,000 to students who are interested in exotic animal medicine or the care of nontraditional pets. The application requires a resume, two letters of reference, a school transcript and a 300- 500 word essay related to exotic animal health. The 2015 program is closed, but it’s worth checking the website later this year for updated materials.
If larger animals align more with your interests, you may consider the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Amstutz Scholarship. These generous scholarships — last year’s 10 recipients received $7,500 each — fund second-year veterinary students interested in the cattle industry.
Scholarships are available to veterinary students in the U.S., Canada and at two schools in the Caribbean. Applicants are required to be members of the association, although student membership costs just $20 per year. Along with basic contact information and grades, the application includes several narrative statements and essay prompts related to the bovine industries. In addition, you’ll need two letters of recommendation, one of which should come from an AABP member on faculty.
Check out [more scholarships for animal lovers.]
Unlike other applications, this scholarship program doesn’t take transcripts and only requires cumulative GPA and current class rank. Applications are open until May 31.
The Zoetis/AAVMC Veterinary Scholarship Program also supports second-year veterinary students, along with and third-year students. Offered by the global animal health company in partnership with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, this program offers $2,000 scholarships to about 300 students enrolled in vet medicine schools in the U.S. or at specific eligible schools in the Caribbean.
The award takes into consideration academic excellence and financial need, alongside identified needs in the veterinary profession, including diversity, sustainability and mixed or rural medicine practice. Be sure to keep tabs on this large program to potentially help fund your studies. The scholarship website lists the application period as Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
Read [additional advice on paying for college.]
For New England high school seniors who have yet to enroll in veterinary school but whose passion for animals is deeply rooted, the Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship is a program worth looking into. Offered by The Humane Society of the United States, this award recognizes students “who, in the course of working in the service of animals, demonstrate a deep respect for animals and people.”
There’s actually no standard application to complete, and transcripts and financial need aren’t considered for the $2,500 award. Instead, the scholarship committee is most interested in your achievements related to animal protection, as well as future plans for humane or animal protection work, either professionally or as a volunteer.
Applications should be in the form of a letter, and applicants should also include at least three letters of recommendation. Be on the lookout for updated scholarship information, as the last application cycle closed on March 25.
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Nurture a Veterinary Education With These Scholarships originally appeared on usnews.com
