Rising Manager Training Program

Program Overview

VHMA's Rising Manager Training Program is a 12-week educational series uniquely designed for professionals new to veterinary practice management.

Ideal candidates range from those transitioning from team member to practice manager, managers who want to feel confident in their current role, or those wanting to prepare for future promotion by acquiring the essential knowledge and skills necessary to kick start your management career. At the program's conclusion, participants will have a greater understanding of the role of a manager in a veterinary setting, be able to set SMART goals, and implement plans to improve their practice.

Weekly program topics explore self-leadership, team leadership, and day-to-day management responsibilities in human resources, hospital operations, finance, and marketing. Networking between cohorts is supported through a private online community. Participants apply the knowledge and skills they have learned to a real-world problem in a final Capstone Project.

Participants will also benefit from an Agile EQ Emotional Intelligence and Communication assessment (expanded DISC) which will yield a personalized 26-page profile, which will help them identify and understand their mindset and how it shapes their responses and interactions, recognize opportunities to stretch beyond what comes naturally to them, and gain actionable strategies to become more agile in their approach to social and emotional situations.

Program Details

When & Where

Each program administration runs for twelve (12) weeks and will meet live online for 60 minutes each week. All meetings will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET. Participants must have a computer or device with audio and a video camera to participate during sessions.

Seats are limited; if sold out, add your name to the waitlist to get priority for the next group.

2026 GROUP 1 (March 3 to May 19, 2026) - REGISTRATION HERE
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET (not a live session)

2026 GROUP 2 (September 17 to December 10, 2026) - REGISTRATION HERE
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET (not a live session)

Continuing Education Hours

A total of 12 continuing education credit hours are available to participants (1 hour per live weekly educational session x 11 and 1 for the capstone project). Attendance is taken at each live session. The total hours awarded are reflective of the live sessions attended. Continuing education hours awarded for this program can be applied to the CVPM program's continuing education requirement.

Participants must attend a minimum of 8 live sessions to be eligible for the program certificate. Sessions will be recorded. Recordings will be accessible to program participants only during the program duration. Continuing education credit is not awarded for viewing recorded sessions.

Certificate

An assessment-based certificate is awarded to participants that complete the program. Participants must participate in 8 of the 11 live sessions and earn a passing score on the capstone project to earn the certificate.

The VHMA and the CVPM program subscribe to the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) definitions and standards for educational programs and credentials. For more information and to review the Institute for Credentialing Excellence's (ICE) standards click here.

Program Fees

VHMA members $595

Included in the registration cost:

Agile EQ- Emotional Intelligence and Communication assessment (expanded DISC), a personalized 26-page profile.

Participation is limited per session.

Participants must have a computer or device with audio and a video camera to participate during sessions.

VHMA membership is required (trial membership does not qualify). If you are not a member you can create a paid membership account here. Log into your membership account and use the registration link on this page to register for the group you would like to participate in.

Registrants must register using their own account. Don't register another person for an event while you are logged into your account. The registrant's name must match the membership account holder.

Waiting List

A waiting list is offered if a group has sold out. Should a seat in the group become available, you will receive an email and have 24-hours to accept the seat. Individuals on the waiting list will be contacted in order of registration. If a new group is opened, wait list registrants will be contacted first.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made in writing 30 days prior to the program start will be fully refunded. Cancellations made less than 30 days in advance of the program start are not eligible for a refund.

Notetaking Tools Policy

During meetings, the use of any AI notetaking tools is prohibited. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to ensure the confidentiality and security of the discussion.

Copyright Notice

Disclaimer

Participation in the Rising Manager Training Program is not required to earn the CVPM credential, and participation does not guarantee that you will pass the CVPM examination.

Material presented has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice.

Facilitator

Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP
Andrea is a seasoned leader in veterinary practice management and consulting. She holds a B.S. in Animal Health Science and is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager with additional certifications in Human Resources, Compassion Fatigue, and Fear Free practices. As the founder of FurPaws Consulting, she supports veterinary practices in leadership and business growth. Her honors include SoCal VMA Paraprofessional of the Year and Viticus Practice Manager Speaker of the Year. Andrea co-founded the SoCal Veterinary Manager’s Network and actively volunteers with VHMA, VetPartners, Platt College, Golden State Humane Society, and SoCal VMA.

Andrea Crabtree, CVPM, PHR

Facilitator

Melissa Mauldin, CVPM, SHRM-SCP, ACC
Melissa is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, HR Senior Certified Professional, and an ICF Credentialed Coach with more than 15 years of experience in the veterinary profession. She has served in various roles, including practice management, operations leadership, and HR leadership. Her passions include leadership development, teaching, and helping individuals reach personal and professional goals.

Melissa Mauldin, CVPM, SHRM-SCP, ACC