Mark Opperman Scholarship

About the Award

Mark Opperman's visionary leadership led to the formation of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and the creation of his greatest legacy: the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification program.

The CVPM was established to validate the knowledge and experience essential for effectively managing today's dynamic veterinary practices. 

The CVPM credential represents the pinnacle of certification for veterinary practice management professionals. CVPMs excel as leaders and role models, enjoying enhanced earning potential and expanded career opportunities.

In honor of his vision and legacy, the Mark Opperman Scholarship financially supports practice management professionals aspiring to achieve CVPM certification.

The scholarship program will identify one (1) veterinary management professional annually.

Scholarship Details

$695 cash award (the current CVPM program application fee).

Criteria to Qualify 

  • Applicants must be paid members of VHMA in good standing.
  • Applicants must meet the current Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification program qualifications. Applicants who have already taken and passed the CVPM examination do not qualify.
  • A completed CVPM application is required.
    1. Active employment as a practice manager for a minimum of three (3) years within the last seven (7) years.
    2. Eighteen (18) college semester hours in management-related courses.
    3. Forty-eight (48) hours of continuing education courses, seminars, etc., devoted explicitly to management.
    4. (4) letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants must submit a 250-word essay on the topic of "mentorship.” Consider exploring your personal experiences with mentors, the importance of mentorship in education or career development, or innovative mentorship strategies. VHMA reserves the right to publish the essay in a future Association newsletter.

Deadline to Apply 

Applications for the next Mark Opperman Scholarship award are due on September 1 (annually). 

Essays must be submitted by the application deadline.

A complete CVPM application must be received by the application deadline (applications are complete after receipt of all supporting documentation and recommendation letters).

Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Application

Mark Opperman, CVPM