To increase the number of students pursuing careers in the veterinary field, organizations have announced new scholarship opportunities for those who are enrolling in these degree programs. By obtaining financial assistance, students can earn an advanced degree in this field of study at an affordable cost.
For example, Pfizer Animal Health, a developer and provider of animal vaccines and medications, announced last week the first recipients of its $2 million scholarship program, which will be distributed throughout the next three years. The company hopes the opportunity will boost student interest in the field and promote veterinary education.
A total of 222 second- and third-year students from 28 accredited veterinary schools across the nation were awarded a total of $555,000 in financial aid this year. Recipients were selected based on academic accomplishments, leadership, diversity and potential for contributing to food-animal or food-safety veterinary medicine.
"This scholarship program is a huge investment in the future of veterinary medicine," said Michael Cathey, executive director at the American Veterinary Medical Association. He added that "Pfizer has recognized the gaps and has set out to proactively and generously help address them."
In the next eight years, the employment of veterinarians is expected to grow by 33 percent, and will create an estimated 19,700 new jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
