AVMA, partners invest in veterinary technician wellbeing
Thanks to scholarships provided by the AVMA and other partners, 150 veterinary technicians began receiving free mentoring this spring while enrollment continues for a second cohort in the fall.
The AVMA has joined the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Merck Animal Health, and Royal Canin to provide scholarships for a total of 300 veterinary technicians to participate in the MentorVet Tech program this year.
Designed to help veterinary professionals thrive, MentorVet Tech provides programming that delivers peer support, coaching, and mentorship.
"Mentorship is a game-changer in veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Addie Reinhard, MentorVet founder and CEO, in an interview with AVMA News. "It not only helps early-career professionals gain confidence and practical skills but also fosters a sense of belonging and emotional support.”
These scholarships mean veterinary technicians can take advantage of the virtual mentoring program, typically worth $200, for free.
The spring cohort of 150 veterinary technicians kicked off with orientation on February 7.
Veterinary technicians practicing in the U.S. can now apply to join the second cohort in August.
The five-month program, which requires a monthly commitment of three to four hours, has been approved for 10 hours of continuing education credits approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
Under the program, five self-paced modules cover practical topics such as communication skills, stress management, and conflict resolution, and participants also have access to MentorVet's peer-mentoring platform.
Kellye Berkley is a licensed veterinary technician who went from MentorVet Tech mentee to mentor. In a spotlight post on the MentorVet website, she discussed how, after experiencing burnout, she discovered the program and has since dove into promoting veterinary mental health.
Encouraging others to take advantage of the mentorship program as well, she said, "I have enjoyed chatting with someone outside of my immediate community of veterinary professionals. It’s great to hear other perspectives and collaborate on the best outcome."
The AVMA, with support from Merck Animal Health and Royal Canin, also offers free mentoring for early-career veterinarians nationwide through MentorVet Connect, which has paired more than 450 mentees with mentors since its launch in 2023.
Among the inaugural cohort, 75% of mentees surveyed said they were more likely to seek support from others following the program.
"Studies show that strong mentorship can reduce burnout, improve job satisfaction, and even increase retention rates," Dr. Reinhard said. "At MentorVet, we’ve seen firsthand how structured, evidence-based mentorship programs create lasting connections that enhance both individual careers and workplace culture."