
ALACHUA, FL– The Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program, intended to financially support veterinary management professionals aspiring to achieve the Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) credential, while honoring its former founder and visionary behind the certification.
“We hope to continue Mark Opperman’s legacy by paving the way for more practice management professionals to attain the CVPM certification,” said Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA Executive Director.
The award program will recognize one practice manager annually who will receive a cash reward covering the cost of the CVPM program application fee. To qualify, one 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 three years within the last seven years, have completed 18 college semester hours in management-related courses, provide four letters of recommendation and submit a 250-word essay on mentorship. Applicants who have already taken and passed the CVPM examination do not qualify.
The annual deadline to apply is September 1. To begin the application process or learn more, visit the VHMA website here.
About Mark Opperman, CVPM
Mark Opperman, CVPM, founded the VHMA in 1981 and served as its president for over 10 years. In 1989, Opperman spearheaded the creation of what we know today as the CVPM credential. His passion for this undertaking has resulted in CVPMs in veterinary practices throughout the US, Canada, and abroad. He was the recipient of both the VHMA Hospital Manager of the Year Award and the VHMA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring commitment to the field of veterinary management.
About the VHMA
The VHMA is a nationally recognized thought leader and innovator in providing training, education, and resources to more than 5,000 members and a trusted resource that the veterinary sector relies on for industry insights, research, and advocacy to assure performance at the highest levels. VHMA's core purpose is to advance and support veterinary practice management professionals by developing professional competence, supporting, and encouraging standards through the industry's highest-level certification program, the CVPM, and providing individuals with a network for professional connection and support. Learn more at www.VHMA.org.